Josh Hart after Knicks sweep 76ers: ‘I used to think Philly was a sports town’

May 11, 2026 - 07:56

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart did not hold back after his team completed a first-round playoff sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Following the 97-92 victory, Hart made a pointed remark about the city's sports culture.

"I used to think Philly was a sports town," Hart said in the locker room. "But after seeing our fans take over their arena two years in a row, I don't know anymore."

Hart's comment referenced the 2024 playoffs, when Knicks fans flooded Wells Fargo Center and made it feel like a home game. That atmosphere prompted 76ers star Joel Embiid to publicly ask fans to show up louder. This year, the pattern repeated. New York supporters were loud and visible throughout the series, especially during the decisive Game 4.

The Knicks won the series in dominant fashion, closing out the 76ers without much resistance. Hart played a key role, providing energy and hustle off the bench. His words after the game added extra sting to an already bitter exit for Philadelphia.

The 76ers now face an offseason full of questions. Embiid's health, the future of the roster, and the team's inability to win at home are all concerns. For the Knicks, the focus shifts to the next round and a potential deep playoff run.