In an effort to fortify their home-court advantage, Philadelphia 76ers ownership, spearheaded by former minority owner Michael Rubin, has taken a proactive stance ahead of Thursday's pivotal Game 6 NBA playoff matchup against the New York Knicks.
Namely, they decided to just buy the tickets themselves.
With memories of a strong showing by Knicks fans in Game 4 fresh in their minds, the Sixers' brass has purchased more than 2,000 tickets for local Philadelphia-based organizations and individuals, including first responders and healthcare professionals. The Knicks lead the series by a 3-2 count — meaning they could close things out Thursday in Philadelphia.
The move comes in response to concerns raised by Sixers star Joel Embiid, who expressed disappointment over the overwhelming presence of Knicks supporters during Game 4 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Josh Harris, David Blitzer, @david_adelman and I just bought more than 2,000 tix for Sixers Game 6 - we absolutely CANNOT let Knicks fans take over our arena again!!! Giving them to first responders, health care professionals and other local Philadelphia-based organizations once? https://t.co/HQkOWJpHgB
— Michael Rubin (@michaelrubin) May 1, 2024
Per ESPN: "Embiid told reporters Sunday that the presence of Knicks fans in Game 4 was 'unfortunate' and 'disappointing,' adding that it 'pisses me off, especially because Philly is considered a sports town.'"
Embiid's sentiments were echoed by South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, herself a Philadelphia native and avid Sixers supporter, who urged season-ticket holders not to sell their seats to Knicks fans.
I need the @WellsFargoCtr full of @sixers fans?.season tickets holders DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKETS to Knicks fans?.I repeat DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKERS to Knicks fans! Pour into our @sixers! We can really do this ish man!!!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) May 1, 2024
The Sixers' dramatic Game 5 victory in New York, propelled by the remarkable performance from Tyrese Maxey, has injected renewed hope into the series. That said, Game 6 looms large as a must-win affair for Philly.
In other words, the 76ers are hoping that if they can't silence the Knicks ... well, maybe they can at least silence their fans in the Sixers' own building.
"Our season is back on the line again come Thursday," Maxey told reporters.
