Embiid Urges Fans to Stay Loyal Against Knicks

Joel Embiid is eager to avoid a repeat of 2024. The last time the New York Knicks faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs, fans from New York flooded the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

After Philadelphia’s Game 7 victory over the Celtics, Embiid had a message for the Sixers’ ticket holders. “I have a message for the fans,” he said, acknowledging how the atmosphere felt like Madison Square Garden during those matchups. “You will need support. Please don’t sell tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.”

It’s worth recalling that two years back, a significant number of Knicks fans made the relatively short trip down Interstate 95 for Games 3, 4, and 6 in Philadelphia, which visibly frustrated Embiid at the time. “Kind of pissed off” is how he described his feelings about the situation.

In an effort to bolster support, owners for the team bought over 2,000 tickets for Game 6 that year. Ultimately, though, the Knicks emerged victorious in that game and the series, leaving Embiid hoping for a different outcome this time around.

“Knicks fans travel, they buy tickets,” Embiid noted recently. He acknowledged that some people might sell their tickets out of financial necessity, adding, “Please stop. We need you. We need support.” In a more personal touch, he even offered to help fans in need of money.

These remarks came after the Sixers secured a 109-100 victory over the Celtics, giving them a 3-1 series lead and propelling them into the Eastern Conference semifinals. Embiid, who had missed the first three games of the series due to an emergency appendectomy, had a standout performance in the seventh game, scoring 34 points with 12 rebounds and six assists, averaging 28 points overall for the series.

As Game 1 approaches—set for Monday, when the Knicks will host the Sixers—Embiid is focused on keeping the momentum going.