The latest Knicks vs 76ers clash turned into more than just a basketball game on Wednesday night, as New York Knicks fans once again packed out Philadelphia’s home arena and helped create a “Madison Square Garden South” atmosphere.
The Knicks backed up that crowd energy with a ruthless performance, smashing the 76ers 138-89 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in one of the most one-sided results of the season.
The blowout matters because it highlights two big realities in the Eastern Conference right now: the Knicks’ growing momentum heading into the All-Star break, and the 76ers’ struggles when their biggest names are missing.
Why did Knicks fans take over the 76ers arena again?
Knicks supporters have developed a reputation for travelling strongly, especially on the US East Coast, where cities sit just a few hours apart.
But what happened in Philadelphia went beyond “good away support”. Large sections of the arena sounded like a Knicks home game, with chants and cheers drowning out the local crowd at times.
Knicks forward Josh Hart admitted the team is starting to expect it.
DOMINATION in Philly 🫣
The Knicks (35-20) take down the 76ers (30-24) with EASE to head into the All-Star Break with an EXCELLENT win.
Knicks basketball will return at MSG vs the Pistons on 2/19, but for now enjoy the W & All-Star Weekend.
LET’S GO KNICKS 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/Y1oEe5vmeb
— SleeperKnicks (@SleeperKnicks) February 12, 2026
“It’s fun. Kind of getting used to it now. Everywhere on the East Coast, it’s really Knicks fans coming out and showing love… Everywhere else, we feel like we always have the majority of the fans,” Hart said.
For UK fans watching from home, it’s the kind of moment that makes NBA matchups feel bigger. It also shows how the Knicks have built one of the strongest fanbases in the league, not just in New York, but across the US and internationally.
What happened in the Knicks vs 76ers on the court?
The Knicks didn’t just win, they completely controlled the game. They stormed to a 49-point victory, humiliating a weakened 76ers team that struggled to match New York’s pace, movement, or shooting.
The standout stat of the night was the Knicks’ passing. They recorded 41 total assists, their highest total in a single game this season.
That number tells the story clearly: this wasn’t a one-man show. The Knicks moved the ball quickly, created open shots, and punished Philadelphia’s defensive gaps again and again.
Coach Mike Brown praised his side’s unselfish style. “I’m blown away with our guys’ ability to share the basketball with one another. A lot of good playmakers, a lot of good passers,” Brown said.
Hart led the way with nine assists, while every Knicks starter contributed at least four.
Was the 76ers squad too weakened to compete?
Yes, and the list of absences made that clear. The 76ers were without their biggest star, Joel Embiid, who missed the game due to a knee problem.
They also lacked Quentin Grimes (illness), while Paul George remained unavailable because of suspension.
Without Embiid, the 76ers lose their main scoring threat, defensive anchor, and leader. Even against average teams, that absence hurts. Against a confident Knicks side, it became a disaster.
Key absences in Knicks vs 76ers
| Team | Player | Status | Reported reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76ers | Joel Embiid | Out | Knee injury |
| 76ers | Quentin Grimes | Out | Illness |
| 76ers | Paul George | Out | Suspension |
| Knicks | OG Anunoby | Out | Toenail avulsion |
The injuries and suspensions don’t excuse a 49-point defeat entirely, but they help explain why the 76ers collapsed so quickly.
Why were fans chanting for Jose Alvarado in Philadelphia?
One of the strangest moments of the night came late in the game when Knicks guard Jose Alvarado received a loud fan chant that sounded like something from Madison Square Garden.
Fans shouted: “Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose.” Alvarado, who recently made his MSG debut in his hometown of New York, clearly fed off the moment.
This passing sequence from the Knicks 🤌
Watch the Knicks vs. 76ers LIVE on SN1 or stream on Sportsnet+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/PIt7E7EFXa
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 12, 2026
“I see the fans; their energy is unmatched. They show their support… it gets me going,” Alvarado said.
It was another reminder that the Knicks fanbase travels loudly, and that Philadelphia, normally known for hostile home support, has struggled to keep its arena feeling like home against New York this season.
What does OG Anunoby’s injury mean for the Knicks?
While the Knicks enjoyed a dominant win, they still carry a concern into the All-Star break: OG Anunoby’s injury situation.
He missed his fourth straight game, and the team changed the description of his injury from “right toe soreness” to something more serious-sounding: right toenail avulsion.
In simple terms, that means the toenail has been damaged or torn, an injury that can look minor but can be painful enough to affect running and balance.
Coach Mike Brown described Anunoby as day-to-day and said he doesn’t expect it to become a long-term problem.
That will matter because Anunoby plays a major defensive role for New York, especially in big Eastern Conference matchups.
Does this result change the Knicks vs 76ers rivalry?
It doesn’t end the rivalry, but it does shift the mood. The 76ers have been a serious playoff threat in recent seasons, largely because Embiid can dominate any game when healthy. But this match showed how fragile Philadelphia can look without him.
For the Knicks, the win boosts confidence and reinforces a growing belief that they can bully teams physically and mentally, even on the road.
The crowd takeover adds another layer to the rivalry, too. It’s not just Knicks vs 76ers on the court, it’s also a battle for control of the building.
And right now, the Knicks seem to be winning both.
