Joel Embiid has been the center of a lot of hate from Knicks fans during their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. He got real on being a villain to the fanbase after the Game 5 win in Madison Square Garden.
“It’s not hostile. I love New York. New York is my favorite city in the world. I have had a place here for the past five years. I just love New York… If I’ve got to be the punching bag and you hear a lot of ‘F Embiid,’ that’s ok. I love it.”
Joel Embiid on being a Knicks villain: “It’s not hostile. I love New York. New York is my favorite city in the world. I have a place here for the past five years. I just love New York. If I’ve got to be the punching bag and you hear a lot of ‘F Embiid,’ that’s ok. I love it.” pic.twitter.com/f287cSIlcA
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 1, 2024
Embiid put up 19 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocks, and nine turnovers in the 76ers’ Game 5 win, sealed by Tyrese Maxey’s incredible 46-point performance. Maxey hit an incredible game-tying three from the logo before helping the 76ers pull away in OT and keep their season alive.
MAXEY FOR THREE
WE'RE GOING TO OVERTIME https://t.co/lVxDfxQ8ZP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2024
Embiid’s comments are funny considering he was once considered the ideal superstar trade target for the Knicks if they needed to add a final piece to their championship-contending roster. The Knicks have gotten better incredibly quickly over this season, cooling the Embiid interest as Jalen Brunson emerged as an MVP-caliber guard.
Tyrese Maxey Reacts To Game-Winning Performance In New York
Even though Embiid is the one who loves to play in New York, it was his teammate Tyrese Maxey who showed up to deliver in the big moments in Game 5 while Embiid struggled.
Maxey scored 46 points and hit an incredible logo three at the end of regulation to push the game to OT. He reacted to his performance after the game and was happy to have helped the 76ers survive with an elimination game win in OT.
“What was going through my mind was, ‘Find a way to survive.’ The season is on the line, I trust my work, and what I’ve done all my life. It was just about getting to a spot and knocking the shot down.”
"Find a way to survive"
Tyrese Maxey walks us through his jaw-dropping three-pointer that forced overtime in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/cu2v9hW0u3
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 1, 2024
Maxey and Embiid shared a heartfelt moment together after the game, with Maxey reassuring Embiid that he has his center’s back.
"I GOT YOU" – MAXEY 🤝 EMBIID
SIXERS FORCE GAME 6 💪 pic.twitter.com/5AP5Bsrm3w
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2024
Embiid needed the help offensively tonight as he couldn’t fool the referees enough to continue shooting at a historic rate from free throws. Embiid had been averaging over 14 free throw attempts a game until Game 5, where he was given just six shots from the line. It’s interesting to see Embiid’s production and efficiency drop off significantly without free throws. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
Maxey is averaging 32.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in this series. He’s made for the biggest moments as he showed tonight. If he and Embiid can continue succeeding, a 3-1 comeback might be on the cards for Philadelphia.
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