Matt Slocum / Associated Press
Donovan Mitchell was not satisfied after Wednesday’s 131-123 loss in overtime for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I never blame arbitration, but this is getting out of hand,” said Mitchell, who was sent off with two technical fouls, told reporters. “We always have the tools. We won this game, in my opinion … It’s getting so fucking ridiculous. I’m sick of it … It devours me. It’s really getting out of control.”
Mitchell was ejected and then hit a cooler in frustration as he left the stadium:
It looked like Utah was going to win by regulation, but Joel Embiid punched a three-point ball in the final 10 seconds to force overtime. Mike Conley’s floater on the track that would have won the game just left, and the 76ers controlled the extra period.
Embiid was dominant and finished with 40 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Mitchell hit with 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 12 of 34 field shots.
While the Jazz still have the best record in the league at 27-9, they lost three out of four during their first difficult phase of the season.
Perhaps the frustration of the recent defeat spilled over to Mitchell, although there was a noticeable difference in whistles during Wednesday’s competition. The 76ers hit 35 free throws against 19 in Utah, with Embiid hitting 13 on his own.
Mitchell had six free throws in defeat.
Louisville’s product is not the only Western Conference All-Star point guard who was recently kicked out of a game with two quick technical fouls. Employees also did not hesitate to throw Devin Booker left Tuesday’s game between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, although his team still managed to win.
Mitchell was frustrated with Wednesday’s arbitration and could face a fine as a result of his comments.