The New York Knicks and their fans made a strong presence at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 of their series against the 76ers. This was in response to Joel Embiid’s frustration with his own fanbase and how the homecourt sounded like Madison Square Garden. As the series shifted back to Philly for Game 6, the 76ers tried to keep Knicks fans out by buying over 2,000 tickets to give away to their own fans. Although the strategy somewhat worked, there were still noticeable Knicks fans in the crowd. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau appreciated both the Philadelphia and New York fans for their support, acknowledging the great sports town and basketball city that Philly is.
Despite the efforts to limit Knicks fans in the arena, Vivid Seats projected that 15 percent of the crowd would be Knicks fans, making their presence known during the TV broadcast. Josh Hart, whose three-pointer helped the Knicks win Game 6 and advance to the second round, complimented the Philadelphia crowd while also acknowledging the challenge they faced due to the number of seats given to 76ers fans. Moving forward, the Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers in the second round, where it may be more difficult for their fans to travel. However, with homecourt advantage once again, the Knicks are prepared to take on the challenge.
Thibodeau expressed his appreciation for the fans who travel and support the team wherever they go, creating a great atmosphere for the players. He praised both the Philadelphia fans and his own, highlighting the rich history of basketball in the city and the proximity to New York. Despite the competitive nature of the series against the 76ers, the Knicks felt comfortable playing in the hostile environment, ultimately coming out victorious and advancing to the next round.
The Knicks’ success in the series was a team effort, with players like Hart stepping up in crucial moments to secure key wins. While the presence of Knicks fans in Philadelphia may have been a factor in the series, the team’s performance on the court ultimately determined their success. As they prepare to face the tough competition of the Pacers in the second round, the Knicks will rely on their homecourt advantage once again to propel them forward in the playoffs and continue their pursuit of a championship.
Overall, the Knicks’ experience in Philadelphia showcased the passion and dedication of their fans, who were willing to travel and support the team in hostile territory. Despite the challenges of facing a strong opponent and a hostile crowd, the Knicks maintained their composure and persevered to secure important victories. With the second round against the Pacers on the horizon, the Knicks are focused on continuing their postseason journey and making their fans proud as they strive for success on the court.
