Sixers fans invade Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK –  The New York Knicks had far from a huge home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden on Christmas.

There was a sizable number of 76ers fans in attendance to cheer on their team. They chanted "Trust the Process" several times during the game. The fans celebrated when the Sixers made big plays, and there was even an "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles" chant in the closing minute of the Sixers' 105-98 victory.

"I thought the crowd was kind of quiet," Sixers center Joel Embiid said of the Knicks fans in his first game at the Garden. "I heard it's always loud. But I love playing at this arena. It was fun."

Embiid said he heard the "Trust the Process" chants. He wished they were louder so they would have drowned out the Knicks fans who booed the chant.

Asked what it means to hear the chant on the road, Embiid said: "That means we are winning."

Justin Anderson is aiming to return for Thursday's game at Portland.

The Sixers forward was sidelined the last 19 games with shinsplints in his left leg. The Sixers (15-18) have missed the presence he provides. That's why Anderson is eager to return.

"I want to bring energy, and I want to bring what I bring to the game," he said. "Obviously, we're hanging in there in every game. We compete, we play hard. Our guys battle. But just having that extra body at a time like this, it would only help us."

Anderson has averaged 5.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 12.7 minutes in 10 games this season.

Ben Simmons gave his teammates, coaches, and staff members Beats by Dre wireless headphones valued at around $300 for Christmas. The Sixers received their gifts when they arrived in the visitors' locker room before Monday's game.

"It's one of those gifts where everybody loves headphones, especially since we travel so much," Simmons said. "Beats are always coming out with new headphones. I linked up with them. That's one of my sponsors.

"We made it happen, and got everyone some headphones."