Embiid Urges Sixers Fans to Block Knicks Ticket Buyers
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid called on fans not to sell tickets to New York Knicks supporters ahead of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The former NBA MVP made the plea after scoring 34 points to lead the No. 7 seed Sixers past the No. 2 Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their first-round matchup. "Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys," Embiid said.
The Knicks, the No. 3 seed, advanced by defeating the Atlanta Hawks in six games, including a 51-point road victory in Game 6. Embiid referenced the teams' 2024 playoff series, when Knicks fans filled much of the Wells Fargo Center for Game 6 and helped New York clinch the matchup. Sixers ownership then attempted to restrict out-of-market ticket purchases.
Embiid missed the first three games of the Celtics series due to an appendectomy but averaged 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists over the final four contests as Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 deficit. He reiterated the fan message from 2024, adding, "If you need money, I’ve got you," and stressed the need for a loud home crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Knicks host Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden beginning Monday, with Game 3 scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
