Joel Embiid, the star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, doesn’t mind being the villain in hostile environments like Madison Square Garden.
He loves New York and even has a place there. Despite the Knicks fans’ negative reception, Embiid embraces it and sees it as part of playoff basketball.
Joel Embiid on being a Knicks villain: “It’s not hostile. I love New York. New York is my favorite city in the world. I have a place here for the past five years. I just love New York. If I’ve got to be the punching bag and you hear a lot of ‘F Embiid,’ that’s ok. I love it.” pic.twitter.com/f287cSIlcA
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 1, 2024
During this series, Embiid has been critical of his own team’s fans for allowing too many Knicks fans to fill the Wells Fargo Center.
He expressed disappointment and frustration with the situation, particularly because Philadelphia is known as a sports town.
In the latest game, the Knicks had a six-point lead with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but the 76ers managed to force overtime and eventually win the game.
Embiid may not have had his best scoring performance, but he still recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks, making a significant impact on the game.
Looking ahead, the 76ers have a chance to force a deciding Game 7 if they win Game 6 at home. With Embiid’s previous comments about loving New York and embracing the role of the villain, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Philadelphia come out focused and ready to play.
Throughout the series, Embiid has been subject to criticism and taunts from the Knicks fans. However, he has remained unfazed and continues to perform at a high level. He expressed his love for New York and mentioned that the hostile atmosphere is part of what makes playoff basketball exciting.
Meanwhile, Embiid’s teammate Tyrese Maxey had a remarkable Game 5 performance, scoring 46 points and hitting a game-tying three-pointer from the logo. Maxey’s heroics helped the 76ers survive and force overtime, ultimately securing the win.
MAXEY FOR THREE
WE'RE GOING TO OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/lVxDfxQ8ZP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2024
"Find a way to survive"
Tyrese Maxey walks us through his jaw-dropping three-pointer that forced overtime in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/cu2v9hW0u3
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 1, 2024
Embiid’s comments about loving New York are ironic considering the Knicks were once rumored to be interested in trading for him. However, the Knicks have made significant strides this season, making such trade rumors less likely.
Despite struggling in Game 5, Embiid still received support from Maxey, who reassured him that he has his back. Embiid’s offensive output was limited without his usual high number of free throw attempts, but Maxey stepped up and delivered in the clutch moments.
"I GOT YOU" – MAXEY 🤝 EMBIID
SIXERS FORCE GAME 6 💪 pic.twitter.com/5AP5Bsrm3w
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2024
If Maxey and Embiid can continue their strong performances, the 76ers have a chance to complete a comeback in this series.
Maxey has been a standout player, averaging impressive numbers throughout the series. Philadelphia will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and potentially complete a 3-1 comeback.
Fans reacted as follows:
knicks gotta put him away next game or we're cooked
— FajahUno 🇨🇴 (@FajahUno) May 1, 2024
Sounds like a man who wants to play here
— Joe Marino (@joeboyknicks29) May 1, 2024
How do you not love this dude
— Kels Dayton (@KelsDayton) May 1, 2024
Lol he gets it ofc
He use play with lions bk home
Not getting rattled by a few chants— SirAndyRothhstein (@SRothhstein) May 1, 2024
The new Trae Young
— Matthew Soprano (@MatthewASoprano) May 1, 2024
Joel loves the WWE. When he’s being booed he feels like a wrestling heel and he loves it
— London_Eye🧢 (@theRealRoeLuv) May 1, 2024
Insane 7 points by Maxey 🤯
— Daily Grind Fantasy Sports (@DGFantasy) May 1, 2024
OMG Maxey is such a baller man
— 🍈 MunkFruit (@Munkfruit) May 1, 2024
Come on…..This kid is everything you’ve ever wanted in a basketball player, teammate and competitor. Just electric.
That was some SERIOUS big time play in the fourth quarter and throughout the game.— Brian (@warrior00017) May 1, 2024
He does in fact got him
— joegrower420.eth 🌱 (@joegrower420) May 1, 2024
Best game of the playoffs so far
— Unders GOAT🐐 (@Unders_GOAT) May 1, 2024
Maxey was very good a world class player
— G-Boss360 (@Game_Boss360) May 1, 2024
One of the best wins. They almost lost it. Maxey bailed them out for. Awesome game
— $pirit $park (@Spirit_Spark_) May 1, 2024
It’s Maxeys Team now 🥹❤️
— Xtina Colombiana (@XtinaColombiana) May 1, 2024
