"They Were Quiet Today": Joel Embiid Savagely Trolls Knicks Fans After Huge Sixers Win

On Saturday, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers pulled up to the hostile environment of Madison Square Garden. By the end of the night, though, it was Embiid who felt right at home as the Sixers soundly defeated the New York Knicks 130–119.

After the game, the former MVP was asked about his thoughts on playing inside the historic venue. Rather than dwell on MSG’s rich legacy, Embiid focused on the fans who came to cheer on the Knicks and dump on their longtime rivals.

“It’s my favorite place in the entire world, New York,” Embiid said with just a hint of sarcasm. “Talked back to the fans. They were quiet today. But I guess that’s what happens when you’re losing the whole game.”

Whether the Knicks faithful like it or not, they have to admit that the Sixers indeed imposed their will in this weekend showdown. In a game where offense reigned supreme, Philly had more ammunition as they shot 54.4% from the field and 47.2% from beyond the arc. Top scoring for the 76ers was Tyrese Maxey, who went off for 36 points on 6-for-9 shooting from deep.

The Knicks' defense also had no answer for Embiid and this year’s third overall pick, VJ Edgecombe, who scored 26 apiece on a combined 19-for-31 shooting clip. Showing exactly how potent the Sixers' offense can be with a healthy lineup, Paul George chipped in 15 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Hardly anyone is surprised that Embiid is celebrating this victory with an abundance of swagger. After all, the 7-foot giant is an avid pro wrestling fan who has been fined multiple times in his career for doing the crotch chop, a gesture popularized by WWE stable D-Generation X in the 90s.

In that sense, the MSG comments made by Embiid amount to a pro wrestling promo, a verbal showcase intended to draw more viewers to watch the next attraction. The last two games of the Knicks-Sixers season series will be held in Philadelphia, but there’s a chance that the two storied franchises will square off in the postseason.

When that happens, Knicks fans inside Madison Square Garden will be ready to give their Philly “villain” a dose of his own medicine.