Joel Embiid Urges 76ers Fans to Hold Onto Playoff Tickets
joel-embiid-urges-76ers-fans-to-hold-onto-playoff-tickets
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid implored local supporters not to resell their seats to New York Knicks fans as the two teams prepare to meet in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The center delivered his message Saturday night after scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, a win that completed Philadelphia’s comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.
“Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East,” Embiid said. “Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.”
New York supporters dominated Wells Fargo Center during the rivals’ 2024 first-round matchup, which the Knicks won in six games. Sixers ownership tried to curb out-of-town sales for Game 6 that year, but the effort fell short and New York clinched the series on Philadelphia’s floor.
Embiid acknowledged that some fans might consider selling seats for financial reasons and even offered to help. “If you need money, I’ve got you,” he said.
The seven-time All-Star had missed the first three games of the Celtics series following an appendectomy but averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists over the final four contests. Philadelphia’s comeback marked the 14th time in NBA history a team erased a 3-1 deficit and ended the franchise’s 0-18 record in such situations. It was also the Sixers’ first postseason series win over Boston since 1982.
Source: ESPN
