Knicks fans had ‘boots on the ground’ at ‘MSG South’ for a Game 3 takeover in South Philly
With less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, it was clear that the Knicks takeover worked, as fans made their presence known before and after the game inside Xfinity Mobile Arena.
After falling behind 2-0 to the New York Knicks, the Sixers had to defend home court in Game 3. And leading up to Friday night, the organization and its fans did everything in their power to stop another Knicks takeover from happening, similar to what happened during their 2024 playoff series.
The organization restricted single-game tickets to fans from the Greater Philadelphia area to shut out buyers from New York, donated 500 tickets to community groups for both games at home, fans bought flex tickets on Amtrak — fully refundable if canceled before departure — to increase the dynamic pricing for Knicks fans, and Joel Embiid even asked fans to not sell their tickets.
Despite their efforts, none of it worked. Knicks fans still made their way into the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, claiming it as their own as the Sixers fell 108-94 in Game 3 to fall behind 3-0 in their second-round series.
» READ MORE: The Sixers go cold, Landry Shamet heats up and the Knicks win 108-94 to take a 3-0 series lead
“Boots on the ground,” said West Chester, New York native Nick Milo. “The place is a little cleaner than I thought it would be. I guess they already got the brooms out early.”
Here’s everything you missed from the night …
‘Let’s go Knicks’
With less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, it was clear that the Knicks takeover worked. As New York fans celebrated with their team leading 105-89, Sixers fans slowly made their way out of the arena.
Throughout the night, Knicks fans continued to let the Sixers know they were in the building — whether they chanted “MVP” for Jalen Brunson or yelling out “air ball” to VJ Edgecombe.
That celebration spilled into the main concourse after the game. Knicks fans surrounded the Broad Street exit of the main concourse, chanting “Let’s go Knicks,” “Knicks in four,” and “[Expletive] Embiid.”
Knicks fans even started throwing around the Sixers playoff shirts that were laid out on every seat ahead of the game.
‘It’s a takeover’
It wasn’t hard to spot a Knicks fan walking through Xfinity Mobile Arena before Game 3. Despite the team’s efforts to shut out New York fans, they still made the trip to “MSG South,” including West Chester, N.Y. natives Constantine Poulakis, 21, and Niko Milo, 22.
“So, we were looking at ticket prices and we’re seeing everything that Embiid was saying about not letting fans in and we were like, ‘Nah, not today,’” Poulakis said. “We made the trip down, [a] four hour drive. But I’d say it was pretty worth it. A lot of Knicks fans here. So, I’m kind of hyped. … A lot more Jalen Brunson jerseys than [Joel] Embiid jerseys out right now.”
» READ MORE: Sixers gave a pro-Knicks crowd plenty to cheer for in a 108-94 Game 3 loss
Knicks fans Benee and Rod Coleman, originally from New York, made the trip from Arlington, Va. to catch Game 3.
“We think it’s dirty,” Rod said. “We don’t like it. New Yorkers bring money. So, we want to see the game. There’s going to be a good bit of Knicks fans, absolutely. Taking over. It’s a takeover.”
However, New York natives Logan Grotas and Steven Schwartz, both 21, respected the move by the Sixers.
“I think it’s valid,” Schwartz said. “I mean, you look around it is Sixers arena. So, it’s completely valid. I did see they donated about 500 tickets, which is awesome. But, I am thoroughly surprised by the amount of Knicks fans we’ve seen today. So, clearly, it wasn’t working so well.”
Grotas added: “I mean, yeah, we travel well. I’ve seen a lot of Knicks fans outside the arena. So, I’m happy with our presence so far.”
Knicks fans interrupt moment of silence
During a moment of silence for Steve Nurse, the brother of Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, a Knicks fan yelled out ‘Let’s go Knicks,’ leading to an eruption of boos from the Sixers crowd.
New York celebrity row in South Philly
Stars that would typically be seen on the sideline of Madison Square Garden made the trip to the South Philadelphia on Friday night. Former Knick Walt Frazier posed with fans ahead of the game alongside filmmaker — and diehard Knicks fan — Spike Lee.
Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan also made the trip.
Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Fat Joe also attended Friday night’s game.
