Knicks Fans Invade Philly Arena as New York Takes 3-0 Lead Over Sixers

Philadelphia 76ers fans tried to pack their home arena, but New York Knicks supporters poured in from the New Jersey Turnpike anyway.

Knicks fans took over Xfinity Mobile Arena during New York's 3-0 command in the Eastern Conference semifinals second round. Joel Embiid suggested referees showed bias toward the Knicks.

Embiid noted the Knicks took 32 free throws to the 76ers' 16.

"I guess it’s good when New York wins," Embiid said, taking a shot at the officials.

"Maybe some potential fouls was let go or not. They shot 32 free throws, we had 16. We’re not a team that shoots a lot of 3s. We attack, put the ball on the ground. I don’t know," he added.

"We’ve just got to have that mentality of just not fouling, I guess, and being smart enough to not put ourselves in a position where they’re going to take advantage of it."

Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges hit back-to-back baskets to stretch the Knicks' fourth-quarter edge to 92-84. Jalen Brunson sank a 3-pointer from the top of the key for a 95-86 lead amid a 9-0 Knicks run, cheered by the visitors.

Embiid had urged Philly fans before the series not to sell tickets to New Yorkers. The Sixers restricted sales to the local area and gave hundreds of tickets to first responders.

Thousands of Knicks fans got in regardless, including Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee.

The Knicks aim for a sweep Sunday in Philadelphia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.