Julius Erving Calls for 76ers Reinforcement After Knicks Fans “Disappoint” Joel Embiid

The New York Knicks fans are at war against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid. Perhaps, this is because the 76ers star is standing in the path of entry for the Knicks to the next round of playoffs. Another reason could be what the Knicks fans call Embiid’s antics. Notably, the Process put a stop to the Knicks’ 2-0 win streak in the series after scoring 50 points in Game 3; bringing the series to 1-3. A foul against Mitchell Robinson, which led to a sprained ankle, did not help either. Subsequently, a recent issue of the New York Post mentioned Embiid as the “Most Hated Man in NY”.

As a counter to the Knicks fanbase, ex-Philly legend Julius Erving has urged the Sixers fans to extend their support for the team. “Come out and support our Sixers on Thursday. Our @sixers Fans are the Best and will prove it Thursday. Guys go fight and win on Thursday,” read the caption to Erving’s recent Instagram post.

Notably, Erving was one of the 76ers key players during the 70s and 80s. Not only did he lead the team to the NBA finals four times, but also helped the 76ers to claim the 1983 NBA Championship. And his support and bond with the franchise still stands strong. It is worth mentioning that this call for 76ers fans by Erving comes after the Knicks faithful have put the ringer on Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid finds Knicks approach to be “disappointing” 

In the recent game at MSG, the Knicks fans constantly booed Embiid, especially in the first quarter. And before this, the Game 4 was no pleasant occasion for the Philly star. Notably, despite the home-ground advantage, the Wells Fargo Center was flooded by Knicks fans. 

In an interview with ESPN, Embiid was asked about the Knicks’ fans supporting their franchise. “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.”[But] I’ve never seen it, and I’ve been here for 10 years.”

He further stated that this kind of pisses him off, especially because Philly is considered a sports town. “They’ve always shown up, and I don’t think that should happen. Yeah, it’s not OK,” he told ESPN. Apart from Joel Embiid. Now it is to be seen if Julius Erving’s call for reinforcements from Sixers fans can turn the tables.