Barclays Center, January 4, 2025
A Clash in the First Quarter
Joel Embiid grips the ball like it’s his by right. The whistle has blown, but he won’t let go. Keon Johnson digs in, his hands tight, his face a mix of disbelief and anger. Embiid is taunting, daring, saying without words, “You can’t touch me.” Keon’s expression answers back: “Try me.” The moment hangs in the air. It’s not about the score. It’s about pride.
Ink, Watercolor, and Raw Energy
This drawing strips the game to its core. No crowd, no noise, just two players locked in a fight for control. Brush and ink capture the tension: Embiid’s broad shoulders and textured skin, the ball wedged between them like a battleground, Keon’s expression tight with defiance. The watercolor—bold reds and muted blacks—adds heat to the struggle. Every line fights for its place, every mark tells the story.
Why It Works
The power of this piece lies in its restraint. Embiid is only half in the frame, a towering force you can’t see in full. Keon is front and center, caught in a moment of indignation and fight. The light and dark tones clash like the players themselves. The red stripes of Embiid’s jersey cut through the scene like a warning. And the ball, round and orange, holds it all together—tension, movement, and the story itself.
Why Own It?
This isn’t just a drawing. It’s a confrontation, a question, a statement. “Let It Go, Big Guy. I Got This.” is for anyone who loves basketball, art, or the raw moments that define both. Hang it where you’ll see it often. Let it remind you: defiance is its own kind of power.
Inspired by a photograph taken by Luke Hales during the Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers game.
Details:
- Size: 14" x 22.5"
- Medium: Gouache and ink on paper
- Series: Drawing of the Game
