Joel Embiid urges Philadelphia 76ers fans to keep Knicks playoff tickets
Joel Embiid has urged Philadelphia 76ers fans not to sell their upcoming playoff tickets to New York Knicks supporters to prevent an away takeover at the Wells Fargo Center.
The 30-year-old center issued the passionate plea following a historic first-round comeback victory against the Boston Celtics.
Philadelphia recovered from a 3-1 series deficit to set up a tantalising postseason rematch with their Eastern Conference rivals.
During their last encounter in 2024, travelling supporters flooded the arena, prompting deep frustration from the home locker room.
‘This is bigger than you’
The former NBA MVP wants to avoid a repeat of that six-game defeat, where the visiting crowd was overwhelmingly vocal.
Embiid delivered his message immediately after the Sixers won Game 7 in Massachusetts to advance in the tournament.
“I just have a message for our fans,” Embiid said. “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like Philadelphia was Madison Square Garden East.”
“We’re gonna need the support. Don’t sell your tickets, this is bigger than you and we need you guys.”
An unprecedented comeback
Two years ago, Sixers ownership unsuccessfully attempted to block visiting buyers from acquiring seats for the decisive Game 6.
The Cameroonian big man was openly critical at the time, questioning the city’s reputation as a passionate sporting stronghold.
Now, the seven-time All-Star has even offered to financially compensate supporters who might be tempted to cash in on high secondary market prices.
“Knicks fans travel, they buy tickets,” he added. “There’s gonna be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money.”
“Don’t do it, we need you guys to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you.”
Embiid’s dominant return
The formidable talisman missed the first three games against Boston while recovering from an appendectomy.
However, he returned to average 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists across the final four must-win fixtures.
His 34-point, 12-rebound performance on Saturday night sealed the NBA’s 14th-ever successful comeback from a 3-1 disadvantage.
The 76ers had previously held an NBA-record 0-18 history when trailing by that margin, while Boston had been a flawless 32-0 when holding a similar lead.
This remarkable triumph also secured Philadelphia’s first playoff series victory over Boston since 1982, ending a miserable streak of six consecutive postseason eliminations against the franchise.