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Joel Embiid’s tense history with Knicks returns to spotlight ahead of playoff rematch
TL;DR
Joel Embiid's history with the Knicks is highlighted as the teams prepare for a playoff rematch. Embiid previously faced intense backlash from Knicks fans during a controversial series two seasons ago.
Key points
- Joel Embiid faced backlash from Knicks fans in the 2024 playoffs
- The Knicks won the series against the 76ers in six games
- Embiid pulled Mitchell Robinson to the ground during a controversial play
- Embiid embraced the hostility from Knicks fans
- He expressed his love for New York despite the jeers
Mentioned in this story
Madison Square GardenNew York
Joel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ersNew York KnicksMitchell Robinson
The chants were unmistakable — and loud.
Two postseasons ago, Joel Embiid rankled Knicks fans during a hyper-testy first-round series in which the Philadelphia 76ers star engaged in multiple controversial plays — none bigger than him pulling Mitchell Robinson to the ground.
The Madison Square Garden crowd let Embiid hear it with booming, profane jeers throughout that 2024 slugfest, which the Knicks won in six games.
In true sports villain form, Embiid embraced it.
“I love New York,” Embiid said after Game 5 of that series. “New York is my favorite city in the world. I’ve had a place here for the past five years, so I just love New York. The fans, when you play against a team, they’re always going to pick that guy. … If I’ve got to be the punching bag and hear a lot of ‘F Embiid,’ that’s OK. I love it.”
That heated history returns to the spotlight as Embiid and the seventh-seeded Sixers take on the third-seeded Knicks in the second round of this year’s playoffs.
Then the reigning NBA MVP, Embiid averaged 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in that 2024 series, despite being months removed from knee surgery and also dealing with Bell’s palsy.
But the 7-footer is better remembered by Knicks fans for a Game 3 flagrant foul in which Embiid, who had been knocked to the floor, grabbed Robinson’s legs and dragged him down as the latter went up for a lay-up.
After that game, then-Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo ripped the play as “dirty.” Embiid was also assessed a technical foul in that series for a Game 2 shove of DiVincenzo, as well as a flagrant foul for a Game 5 swipe that struck a driving Jalen Brunson in the head.
Q&A
What happened between Joel Embiid and the Knicks in the 2024 playoffs?
In the 2024 playoffs, Joel Embiid faced significant backlash from Knicks fans during a heated first-round series, which the Knicks won in six games.
How did Joel Embiid react to the Knicks fans' jeers?
Joel Embiid embraced the hostility from Knicks fans, stating he loves New York and is okay with being the target of their jeers.
What controversial play did Joel Embiid make against Mitchell Robinson?
Joel Embiid controversially pulled Mitchell Robinson to the ground during the 2024 playoff series, which contributed to the tension between him and Knicks fans.
Why is Joel Embiid considered a sports villain by Knicks fans?
Joel Embiid is viewed as a sports villain by Knicks fans due to his provocative behavior and statements during the playoff series, which intensified their animosity towards him.
