NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 20: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-120. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
There was already bad blood between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers’ fan bases before their opening-round playoff series this year. Still, more conflict has surfaced in the media after the Knicks went through on Thursday.
When the Knicks won the series after an intense, gritty and back-and-forth game 6 in Wells Fargo Arena, 76ers fans let visiting Knicks fans know how they felt.
A video captured by the Philadelphia Inquirer showed what appears to be a Knicks fan being held back by security guards while trying to approach a Sixers fan at the entrance to seating sections 117 and 118.
The reporter Vaughn M. Johnson, who shot and posted the video, commented on the scene.
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“It’s hella rowdy at the Wells Fargo Center tonight. Just saw a Knicks fan get thrown out of the arena… at halftime 😂,” before posting and captioning the video, “Like I said, hella rowdy.”
At halftime, the Sixers led 54-51 and had just recovered from a 22-point deficit. Buddy Hield‘s introduction boosted Sixers fans’ hopes, as he had caught the hot hand in the second quarter, making five three-pointers in 10 minutes. That’s likely why many Sixers fans shout “Budd Hield” in the video clip.
As the Knicks fan is pushed back and slowly removed from the stadium, Sixers fans clapped and cheered, and some yelled, “Oh s—” and “Holy s—.” Others yelled, “Get him the f— out of here,” as the large fellow was removed from the premises.
However, that entertainment would only last for a while for Sixers fans, as the Knicks came out on top. A clutch three-pointer from Josh Hart and a 41-point performance from Jalen Brunson saw the Knicks advance to the next round despite impressive plays from Sixers stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The Knicks are set to host the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with game one scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Such conflict is not to be expected in the Knicks-Pacers matchup, but it will be interesting nonetheless to see what fan stories the rest of the NBA playoffs can bring.
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