Sixers owners buy up tickets to block Knicks fans

Field Level Media|published: Thu 2nd May, 11:14 2024

Apr 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A fan looks on before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat in a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. credits: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Current and former owners of the 76ers bought more than 2,000 tickets to mute the presence of New York Knicks fans attending Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Sixers star Joel Embiid voiced his displeasure following Game 4 at the Wells Fargo Center, when boisterous Knicks fans cheered their team's 97-92 comeback victory on Sunday.

"Disappointing," Embiid said after New York seized a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series. "I love our fans. Think it's unfortunate, and I'm not calling them out, but it is disappointing. Obviously, you got a lot of Knicks fans, and they're down the road."

Philadelphia trimmed New York's lead to 3-2 with a 112-106 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, but still faces elimination Thursday in the best-of-seven set.

Former minority owner Michael Rubin announced Wednesday that he teamed up with owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer and David Adelman to buy "more than 2,000 tix" for Game 6.

"We absolutely CANNOT let Knicks fans take over our arena again!!!" Rubin posted on X.

He said the tickets are being given away to first responders, healthcare professionals and other "local Philadelphia-based organizations once we know they're legit Sixers fans and not imposters!!"

The 76ers posted a video on their official Instagram account Wednesday of tickets being given away to fans on the streets of Philadelphia.

—Field Level Media

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