“AD Can’t Protect You”, Anthony Davis CLUTCH CHOKE” – NBA fans relentless after Joel Embiid bested Anthony Davis in “Battle of the Bigs” marquee

The marquee matchup between Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis finally lived up to the hype. Davis has arguably been the best player in the NBA over the past three weeks, but he was expected to be in a dogfight against Embiid.

After the game, basketball fans, who watched the overtime thriller between the LA Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, sent in their thoughts on the matchup:

“AD can’t defend it, it’s sad”

This one probably stung:

ANTHONY DAVIS CLUTCH CHOKE

Joel Embiid started out like a house on fire that even Anthony Davis’ world defense couldn’t put out. “The Process” scored 20 of his 38 points in the first 12 minutes of the game. It also forced Davis into two quick fouls in the first four minutes to compromise the Lakers’ game plan at both ends of the floor.

Embiid had as many points as the entire Lakers roster could muster as the first quarter ended 31-20. “JoJo” finished the first half with 25 points, while Davis scored six points on just three shots. It looked like Embiid would get away with the matchup early on.

Anthony Davis began the third quarter the same way he committed his fourth foul with about nine minutes remaining in that period. With AD in foul trouble, the Lakers resorted to putting LeBron James and Thomas Bryant on Embiid.

The fourth quarter, however, was Davis’ turn to dominate. He exploded for 21 of the Lakers’ 37 points to nearly lead his lethargic team to a big come-from-behind victory. AD’s heroics came crashing down in the dying seconds of the game when he stole a tackle pass intended for Joel Embiid.

Anthony Davis in the fourth quarter:

• 21 points
• 5 rebounds
• 2 robberies
• 11/12FT

• +18

He almost led the comeback of the year. If he really is the Lakers’ franchise player, they owe it to him (and Bron) to trade picks.

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Anthony Davis in the 4th quarter:• 21 points• 5 rebounds• 2 steals• 11/12 FT’s 😔• +18Almost leads the comeback of the year. If he really is the Lakers’ franchise player, they owe it to him (and Bron) to trade picks. https://t.co/lSpZjW6UDo

Davis was fouled with 3.7 seconds remaining in the game, with the Lakers still trailing 120-119 against Philly. AD made the first free kick to tie the game, but missed a potential game-winning second freebie.

Basketball fans expected more from the Embiid-AD brawl in overtime.

LA Lakers waived Anthony Davis while Philadelphia 76ers kept Joel Embiid in overtime

Wells Fargo Arena just watched Anthony Davis take down the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid in the lineup by 21 points in the fourth quarter. Shockingly, the LA Lakers went to AD just three times in the five-minute overtime period.

The 76ers finally pummeled the Lakers to a 13-2 lead in the overtime, starting with a basket by Embiid. Even if “The Process” gave way to James Harden in overtime, he was at the center of everything the 76ers did.

Harden took over after regulation with nine points via several pick-and-roll plays with Joel Embiid. “The Beard” finished with 28 points and 12 assists to help Philly’s superstar center lead the team to victory.

For some reason, as they have in previous games where they have lost, the Lakers almost stopped going to Davis.

The LA Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers will meet again for the second time on January 15. If both Davis and Embiid are healthy, NBA fans can look forward to another explosive matchup between two of the best big men in the game.