Several incidents marred the matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Despite being known for having one of the most hardcore sports fanbases, the Sixers found themselves being overshadowed by chants of “MVP” for Knicks star Jalen Brunson and “F—k Embiid” after the game. Sixers center Joel Embiid expressed his frustration at the presence of so many Knicks fans, stating that he had never seen such a thing in his 10 years with the team, especially in what is considered a sports town like Philadelphia. Former player John Starks, who is now a team employee, added to the chaos by exchanging words with Embiid and Sixers fans.
Despite the overwhelming presence of Knicks supporters at the Wells Fargo Center, Jalen Brunson, who set a franchise playoff record with 47 points, expressed his appreciation for the passionate fanbase. He acknowledged the relentless and passionate Philadelphia fanbase while also mentioning that the presence of Knicks fans in the arena was a testament to their loyalty and commitment to their team. Knicks owner James Dolan was also in attendance and witnessed the Knicks fans celebrating their victory outside the arena, chanting derogatory remarks towards Embiid while stomping on Sixers merchandise. This incident further highlighted the intense rivalry between the two teams and their fanbases.
The game itself saw some key players sidelined with injuries. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who had sprained his left ankle in Game 3, was ruled out of Game 4 and left the arena in a walking boot. His absence was felt during the game, as his replacement, Precious Achuiwa, had a solid performance closing out the game at center. Additionally, Bojan Bogdanovic of the Knicks suffered a “foot contusion” early in the game and had to leave the court after just one minute of play. This added to the list of injuries plaguing the team, with Bogdanovic having recently undergone an MRI for a sprained wrist that revealed ligament damage, potentially requiring surgery in the summer.
As the Knicks claimed a crucial victory over the Sixers in Game 4, the atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center was filled with tension and intensity both on and off the court. Despite the overwhelming presence of Knicks fans and chants throughout the game, the Sixers, led by Embiid, were unable to overcome the opposition. The spectacle of the game, combined with the injuries suffered by key players of both teams, added to the drama and intensity of the rivalry between the Knicks and the Sixers. This game served as a reminder of the passion and loyalty of the fans, as well as the competitive spirit of the players involved, setting the stage for future matchups between these two storied franchises.
