Sixers fans get ready for Game 7, Flyers win brings good juju and more from another wild ride in Philly

Just 24 hours after the Flyers advanced to the second round of the playoffs with an overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 76ers found similar success. They defeated the Boston Celtics, 106-93, to force Game 7 to keep their playoff hopes alive — and give Philly fans even more to be excited about.

“I’ve always been a supporter, through the bad, the good, the ‘Trust the Process’ days,” said 23-year-old South Jersey native Thomas Hewitt. “I love the team. I never really expect anything out of them but if they perform, they perform. And Flyers, very happy with how they’re doing. Phillies, I don’t want to talk about them.”

The energy inside Xfinity Mobile Arena was similar to the atmosphere after the Flyers’ win. Sixers fans exited into the main concourse, waving rally towels, cheering for their team, and booing any Boston fans.

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The Sixers forced a Game 7 and gave Philly fans even more hope that they’ll follow in the footsteps of the Flyers and advance into the second round of the playoffs.

“I’m feeling like I’m on cloud nine,” said 26-year-old Lower Merion native Zack Slowgoff. ”I’ve been waiting for this moment for years. I’m so proud of this team. I’ve been coming to games all season. This team has heart. We’re going to get it done in seven."

However, fans like Hewitt recognize the uphill battle the team faces as they head into Boston on Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBC10).

“I think it’s going to be really close,” Hewitt said. “The fans are obviously going to make a difference. They’re loud. I think it will be close but again, defense, rebounds, making our shots, that’s all that really matters.”

» READ MORE: Believe it: The Sixers’ stunning dominance in Game 6 has Boston on the ropes

The series has already been an improvement from the last time both teams met in the opening round of the playoffs during the 2019-20 season, when the Sixers were swept. They also met in the second round during the 2022-23 playoffs, with Boston winning the series, 4-3.

“I wasn’t [expecting a Game 7,]” said New Jersey native Russell Stone. “I never thought the Sixers would really compete. But they have heart.”

Ahead of the game, fans stood in the main concourse wringing out their wet jerseys and hoodies from the rain outside of the arena.

Despite the bad weather, fans were looking forward to the atmosphere at Xfinity Mobile Arena, including Stone, who also attended Game 4 with his son.

“I think tonight there’s going to be so much energy here, they’re really going to feel it,” Stone said before the game. “Embiid is going to be more in game shape and we got to get a big game out of Maxey. But I’m really rooting for him tonight. Being from the Jersey Shore, half of the people are from New York, the other half are from Philadelphia. But Philadelphia is the greatest.”

The energy inside the arena matched Stone’s expectations. Upon arrival, fans were met with the Sixers dance team, rally towels were placed at every seat, and the crowd was looking forward to extending the series.

Fans were loud throughout the game — whether they were reacting to a made three by Joel Embiid, a powerful drive from VJ Edgecombe, or a chance for free Chick-fil-A nuggets.

And with less than six minutes remaining in the game, and the Sixers up, 95-78, as the crowd erupted in “We want Boston” chants.

Within the past 48 hours, Philly athletes have shown a tremendous amount of support to one another. On Wednesday night, following the Phillies postponed game, a number of Phillies players made the walk across the street to watch the Flyers advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Thursday night, it was the Flyers’ turn to show love to another Philly sports team. Both Trevor Zegras and Cam York attended Thursday’s game — ringing the bell in the process and bringing some good juju back into the arena.

Eagles seventh-round pick Uar Bernard was in attendance for Game 6. Ahead of the game, the defensive tackle from Nigeria met up with Sixers center Adem Bona, another Philly athlete from Nigeria.

The rookie even let out a “Go Birds” for fans.

And Bernard wasn’t the only rookie showing love to Philly sports. Eagles first-round draft pick Makai Lemon was in attendance during Game 3 with new teammate DeVonta Smith.