Joel Embiid, the superstar center of the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), expressed regret over the support of home fans.
Philadelphia lost 92-97 to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the first round of the 2023-24 NBA Western Conference Playoff held at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 29th (Korea time). Philadelphia lost its first and second games in the enemy territory and won its third game at home to seek a reversal, but failed to continue the trend. It has a 1-3 record in the series. If it loses Game 5 at Madison Square Garden in New York, it will receive a report card indicating that it will be eliminated in the first round.
Embiid, who played in the fourth game, filled the record with 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks for 43 minutes and 58 seconds, but failed to prevent his team’s defeat. He even left bitter comments to fans after the game, drawing attention.
On the same day, according to ESPN, Embiid said he was “disappointed” that many New York fans flocked to his home. In particular, Embiid said, “I love my fans. I won’t criticize them, but I’m sure there were a lot of Knicks fans. I’ve lived here for 10 years. It makes me even angrier that Philadelphia is known as a sports city. I don’t think this should happen.”
Yahoo Sports said the game was very similar to the home stadium in New York. New York fans showed off their presence by filling up the stadium for two consecutive games. Earlier, there were media reports that New York’s cheering chants filled the stadium even in the third game where Philadelphia won. After winning the fourth game, fans expressed joy by chanting that New York would end the game in the fifth game. The media also introduced the heated reactions of New York fans through a video posted on social media.
Unlike Embiid, New York, which was supported by a lot of support in away matches, has made history in the club’s PO history. The hero was Jaelon Brunson, an ace. He dominated Philadelphia with 47 points and 10 assists for 43 minutes and 32 seconds. He was the first player in New York to score 40-10 assists in a single PO match, as he was responsible for nearly half of his team’s goals.
Brunson, who heard New York fans rooting for him as the MVP during the game, said, “It was wonderful to see New York fans here and to hear the song. It means ‘real’ for New York fans.”
Game 5 between the two teams will be held on May 1 at Madison Square Garden. New York aims to advance to the second round of PO for the second consecutive year. After reaching the second round last season, Philadelphia is in danger of being eliminated from the first round this year
BY: 토토사이트
