"They're lucky Embiid got hurt": Sixers fans optimistic despite dropping Game 1 after Joel Embiid injury scare

The New York Knicks secured a victory over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday. Despite shooting only 39% from the field, the Knicks managed to pull off a 111-104 win.

Joel Embiid contributed 29 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort. However, he appeared to not be in top-notch condition, as noted by the broadcast team multiple times, and even had to briefly leave the game.

Despite the loss, Philadelphia fans remained optimistic. Some fans mentioned that the Knicks were fortunate Embiid was injured, as the game was closely contested.

"Yeah, they're lucky that Embiid got hurt," commented user @BronWorld.

"Healthy Embiid is sweeping lmao," added @purplefranchise.

X (formerly Twitter) user @ProjectHurts commented that the Knicks nearly squandered their lead twice, despite the absence of a fully healthy Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Joel Embiid got hurt again, came back out and played while the Knicks fans cheered he was hurt. Knicks choke about 2 times and almost lose," the user tweeted.

Here are other reactions from fans:

Fans react to Game 1 of the New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers series

Knicks guards fuel New York’s Game 1 win vs Joel Embiid, 76ers

The New York Knicks received significant contributions from their guards to secure their victory over the seventh-seed 76ers in Game 1.

Despite Jalen Brunson's struggles from the field, shooting just 8-of-26, he managed to finish with 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Guard-forward Josh Hart played nearly 42 minutes and recorded a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. He hit crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help New York pull off the victory.

Off the bench, Knicks guard Miles McBride, who only averaged 8.3 points in 68 regular-season games, made a huge impact with five 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. He had a game-high plus-minus of plus-37.

McBride outscored the 76ers by himself in the second quarter with 13 points, during which the 76ers were limited to just 12 points.

Knicks bench frontcourt players Bojan Bogdanovic (13 points, seven rebounds) and Mitchell Robinson (eight points, 12 rebounds) also played key roles in the win, with plus-minus ratings of plus-27 and plus-20, respectively.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, while Kyle Lowry added 18.

The Knicks, who won three of their four games against the 76ers in the regular season, will host Game 2 on Monday.