New York Knicks fans made their voices heard in Philadelphia. This comes even before this year’s second-round series.
Knicks Fans’ Presence Felt
Knicks fans arrived early and made their voices heard in Game 3 in Philly. In Game 3, Knicks fans equalled, and even drowned out the Philly fans throughout the game.
It did not sound like a home game.
One fan yelled “Go Knicks!” during a moment of silence for Nick Nurse’s brother, Steve, which spurred “boos” from Philly fans.
According to Nick Spies, who travelled to the game from Yonkers, New York, the Sixers should be worried about what’s going on on the court.
Embiid’s Plea for Home Support
Joel Embiid called out his own fans. This was even before this year’s second-round series, which put the Sixers on the brink of elimination down 3-0.
Embiid made the comments after the Sixers came back from down 3-1 to upset the Celtics last week.
“Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden [West]. We’re going to need the support,” said Embiid.
He urged fans not to sell their tickets. “Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys. Knicks fans travel, they buy tickets. There’s going to be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money. Don’t do it, we need you guys. We need the support, and we need them to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you.”
Various outlets are reporting that a big portion of sales have gone to the New York and New Jersey area.
Philadelphia’s Frustrations
Sixers fans have been through a lot since the start of “The Process” in 2013. They’ve gone through losing 72 games and failed No. 1 overall picks Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons.
They’ve also seen short lived superstars James Harden and Jimmy Butler. Plus bad contracts for Tobias Harris and Al Horford.
Just this winter, they shipped Jared McCain to the defending NBA champs for close to nothing.
Then there’s Joel Embiid — the full experience from MVP to playoff meltdowns and all the injuries in between.
It’s hard for fans to take this team seriously, even after their incredible Game 7 win in Boston. The Sixers have not advanced past the second round since Allen Iverson took them to the NBA Finals in 2001.
The entire process to this point has not produced any real contention.
Knicks fans want it more, and show it by showing up in Philadelphia.