The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Madison Square Garden for Saturday night's matchup, their final game of a five-game road trip.
With two-straight victories against the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, head coach Nick Nurse and the 76ers were looking to return home on a high note.
They did just that, defeating the Knicks 130-119. Philadelphia was in control throughout, leading for 80% of the game and outscoring New York in every quarter but the fourth.
In the victory, Joel Embiid posted another solid performance. The former MVP finished with a double-double, posting 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and five assists. This marks the seventh-straight game in which Embiid has scored 22 or more.
Following the game, Embiid took to an opportunity to poke fun at Philadelphia's Atlantic Division rivals while speaking with reporters.
“I love being here. It’s my favorite place in the entire world,” Embiid said. “It’s always good to be here, talk back to the fans. They were quiet today. I guess that’s what happens when you’re losing the whole game. I had fun going back-and-forth with them. Sometimes, it’s good to be liked. Sometimes, it’s good to be hated.”
Embiid seemed to revel in the moment at Madison Square Garden, making his first appearance in New York since the 2023-24 playoffs.
The 76ers return to action Monday against the Denver Nuggets. As for the rivalry between the Knicks and 76ers, the two sides won't meet again until January 24 in Philadelphia.
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