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7 Brutal Truths Behind Joel Embiid’s “It’s Not A Rivalry, They Always Kick Our Ass” Quote (2025 Update)

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The phrase “It’s not a rivalry, they always kick our ass” has become one of the most quotable and brutally honest admissions in modern sports history, perfectly encapsulating a lopsided, yet intensely personal, battle between two of the NBA’s most storied franchises. Uttered by Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid, the quote is the ultimate expression of frustration, respect, and the painful reality of the Sixers’ long-standing struggle against the Boston Celtics. As of December 2025, this sentiment continues to define the dynamic, even as the Sixers strive to turn the tide.

The quote’s power lies in its candidness, coming from an MVP-caliber player known for his swagger and nickname, "The Process." It strips away the media hype surrounding the "rivalry" and replaces it with a simple, statistical truth. For years, the Celtics have held a clear psychological and historical edge over Philadelphia, a dominance that has only intensified in key moments, particularly the NBA Playoffs. The latest head-to-head matchups in the 2025-2026 season show the challenge remains as fierce as ever, proving Embiid’s words still sting.

Joel Embiid: The Man Behind the Unflinching Quote

The man who delivered the quote is one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. Joel Embiid’s career has been defined by his unique blend of size, skill, and personality, making his honest assessment of the Celtics rivalry all the more impactful.

  • Real Name: Joel Hans Embiid
  • Nickname: The Process (a nod to the 76ers' rebuilding strategy)
  • Date of Birth: March 16, 1994
  • Place of Birth: Yaounde, Cameroon
  • Nationality: Cameroonian, French, and American
  • Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
  • Current Team: Philadelphia 76ers (Drafted #3 overall in 2014)
  • Career Highlights: NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Multiple-time All-Star, Multiple-time All-NBA First Team.
  • Net Worth & Contract: Estimated net worth is around $85 million, with his current contract paying him over $213 million through the 2026-2027 season.

The Origin and Context of the Iconic Statement

The original quote, "This is not a rivalry... I don't know our record against them. But it's pretty bad. They always kick our ass," was first delivered by Embiid after a particularly tough loss to the Celtics. It wasn't just a throwaway line; it was a genuine reflection of a systemic problem the Sixers faced.

A History of Celtics Dominance

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics share one of the most historic rivalries in the NBA, dating back to the 1960s with legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. However, in the modern era, especially during Embiid’s tenure, the Celtics have consistently maintained the upper hand.

  • Playoff Struggles: The most painful context comes from the NBA Playoffs. Embiid's 76ers have repeatedly been eliminated by or struggled against the Celtics in crucial post-season matchups, reinforcing the narrative of Boston's superiority.
  • The Psychological Edge: The sheer number of losses, particularly in high-stakes games, created a mental block. Embiid’s quote was his way of saying that a true rivalry requires both teams to win and lose in comparable measure, not one team consistently dominating the other.
  • Fan Frustration: The statement resonated deeply because it validated the frustration of the Philadelphia fanbase, who felt the media was overhyping a "rivalry" that was, in reality, a one-sided affair.

The 2025-2026 Season: Does the Quote Still Hold True?

Despite roster changes and coaching adjustments, the early results of the 2025-2026 NBA season suggest that the core truth of Embiid's quote remains relevant. The Celtics continue to be the Sixers' most significant hurdle.

Recent Head-to-Head Challenges

The start of the 2025-2026 season has seen the Sixers and Celtics clash in pivotal games, often with the same heartbreaking results for Philadelphia.

  • October 31, 2025 Loss: In a highly anticipated early-season matchup, the Celtics handed the 76ers their first loss of the 2025-2026 season. The game went down to the wire, with Embiid missing a potential game-winner, resulting in a narrow 109-108 Celtics victory. This immediate setback on a big stage only served to re-ignite the "always kick our ass" narrative.
  • November 2025 Status: As of mid-November 2025, initial reports on the season series showed the Celtics maintaining their edge, winning four of the last five matchups overall, and often leading the season series.
  • Embiid’s Evolved Perspective: Following the tight October loss, Embiid’s commentary showed a shift, acknowledging the Celtics’ strength with a more respectful tone. He pointed out that no one should be "sleeping on the 2025-26 Celtics," indicating a recognition of their consistent, championship-level quality under head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Why the Celtics Maintain the Edge

The dominance Boston holds over Philadelphia is not random; it's rooted in several key factors that have persisted across multiple seasons and even different rosters.

  1. Superior Depth and Roster Continuity: Boston has consistently built a deep roster that can withstand injuries and neutralize Embiid's impact with a rotation of capable defenders.
  2. Three-Point Shooting: The Celtics' offensive philosophy often prioritizes the three-point shot, a high-value strategy that can quickly erase leads and punish the Sixers' more traditional inside-out game.
  3. Historical Psychological Advantage: The mental hurdle is real. When a team has a history of beating another in crucial moments, that confidence carries over, especially in clutch situations like the final minute of the October 31, 2025, game.
  4. The Star Matchup: While Embiid is an MVP, the collective strength and consistent two-way play of Boston's core stars, such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, often prove too much to overcome in a seven-game series or a high-pressure regular-season contest.

The Legacy of the Quote: Candor in the NBA

Embiid’s quote is more than just a soundbite; it’s a moment of genuine candor that is rare in professional sports. In an era where athletes often rely on clichés, Embiid’s honesty was refreshing, even endearing to some rival fans.

The statement has transcended the Sixers-Celtics rivalry itself, becoming a universal meme and a benchmark for acknowledging a clear, undeniable power imbalance in any competitive field, from esports to chess. It serves as a reminder that a true "rivalry" should be a back-and-forth struggle, and when one side consistently triumphs, the term loses its meaning.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, the quote is a constant challenge. It is the measuring stick that the current team, led by Embiid, must overcome. Until they can consistently defeat the Boston Celtics—especially in the playoffs—Embiid’s words will continue to echo as the defining, albeit painful, truth of their relationship.

7 Brutal Truths Behind Joel Embiid’s “It’s Not a Rivalry, They Always Kick Our Ass” Quote (2025 Update)
it's not a rivalry they always kick
it's not a rivalry they always kick

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