Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid has issued an unusual and direct appeal to the club's fanbase, asking them to refrain from selling their upcoming playoff tickets to supporters of their fierce rivals, the New York Knicks. Embiid's plea, made after the 76ers' recent victory, underscores the intense rivalry expected in the next round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs.
The 76ers secured their spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by defeating the Boston Celtics 109-100 on Saturday night. This win completed a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, marking only the 14th time in NBA playoff history that a team has achieved such a recovery. Embiid was instrumental in the victory, contributing 34 points in a dominant performance against a Celtics side missing key player Jayson Tatum.
Following the triumph, Embiid's focus immediately shifted to the upcoming series against the Knicks. Recognising the potential for New York fans to travel and purchase tickets in Philadelphia, he publicly addressed the 76ers' supporters. His message was unambiguous, stating, "If you need money, I've got you." This direct offer highlights the perceived importance of maintaining a strong home-court atmosphere against their geographical rivals.
The rivalry between the 76ers and the Knicks is deeply ingrained, often leading to a significant presence of away fans when the teams meet. Embiid's intervention is an attempt to mitigate this, ensuring that the home advantage is maximised as the 76ers continue their pursuit of the NBA championship.