The 76ers didn't start the 2019 playoffs the way they wanted to.
Philadelphia secured home-court advantage with a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, but it was upset by the Nets 111-102 at home in the first game of the first round.
To make matters worse, Joel Embiid and Amir Johnson appeared to be looking at texts on the bench during the fourth quarter of the contest.
Here's how Twitter reacted to this unusual sight during the NBA's start the the postseason.
That better have been Rihanna.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 13, 2019
(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/w8IcfULfNM
I use zoom and enhance to see what Amir Johnson was looking at on the Sixers bench pic.twitter.com/20ojirfNLm
— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) April 13, 2019
Amir Johnson headed to the locker room minutes after the broadcast showed he and Joel Embiid going through a phone on the bench. pic.twitter.com/pnKVBKImFr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2019
Use of a cell phone on the bench is a violation of the NBA Operations Manual. Violation will result in a substantial fine and/or suspension.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 13, 2019
What Amir Johnson was showing Embiid on his phone 😭 pic.twitter.com/LtzVYLUmIu
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 13, 2019
“What they saying about the upset?” pic.twitter.com/6GHYaLCgjj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2019
Cmon Amir Johnson, a CELLPHONE on the bench?? You’re supposed to be an “ole head” on this Sixers team.. No EXCUSE...
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 13, 2019
Amir Johnson got sent to the principal’s office 😂😂😂
— Playoff PSOLZ (@theBSOLZ) April 13, 2019
“Amir Johnson’s Text Message” is my new fantasy team name
— Nathaniel Friedman (@freedarko) April 13, 2019
Amir Johnson checking out texts on the bench during the game. What a joke. Even more shocking is that Johnson in his 14th season in the NBA.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 13, 2019