In a strategic move to bolster home support, Philadelphia 76ers owners, including Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and Michael Rubin, along with David Adelman, purchased over 2,500 tickets to prevent a repeat of the New York Knicks fans' takeover during Game 4 of their playoff series. The tickets were distributed to first responders, health care professionals, and other local organizations in Philadelphia. This action was taken after Joel Embiid expressed disappointment over the previous game's atmosphere, where Knicks fans were noticeably present. SNY analysts criticized the owners' move. The 76ers aim to secure a strong home-court advantage for Game 6 to push the series to a decisive Game 7.
SNY analysts rip Philadelphia 76ers owners for buying 2,000 tickets to prevent Knicks fans from attending Game 6 https://t.co/EETc1kx9cg https://t.co/QKO0tRQrJH
"We saw Knicks fans staging a takeover [in Game 4]...Joel Embiid called it 'unfortunate', and Sixers ownership took note, they scooped up 2,500 tickets and distributed them locally." Jared Greenberg ahead of Sixers-Knicks Game 6 👀 (via @NBAonTNT) https://t.co/0mskmz9GtJ
In an effort to help the Sixers push the series against the Knicks to Game 7, 76ers ownership bought thousands of tickets to fill the stands with fans. @LeahUko captures the playoff energy in South Philly. https://t.co/uED8AtLZTo
76ers bracing for another Philly takeover by Knicks fans for Game 6 https://t.co/vP9JZvgC4u https://t.co/BE9OuCslFD
Josh Harris, David Blitzer, @david_adelman and I just bought more than 2,000 tix for Sixers Game 6 - we absolutely CANNOT let Knicks fans take over our arena again!!! Giving them to first responders, health care professionals and other local Philadelphia-based organizations once… https://t.co/HQkOWJpHgB