PHILADELPHIA -- The preseason is over for the Philadelphia 76ers, and now, the real games begin.
After a busy offseason as they overhauled the roster and added some serious talent, the Sixers will now be looking to make a statement on opening night. They will head to Madison Square Garden to take on the defending champion New York Knicks as they look to spoil ring night for the champs and move forward with their own title plans.
"It’s an honor," said Jaylen Brown. "Opening night. It’s prime time. The former champions. I think it’s serendipitous, so I’m looking forward to it."
The Knicks, of course, swept the Sixers in Round 2 on their way to their first title since 1973. Led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and a strong supporting cast, the Knicks have plans on repeating while Philadelphia is looking to get over the hump and win its first title since 1983. Taking on the Knicks on opening night seems like a great chance for the Sixers to make a real statement.
However, Joel Embiid is not here for the pageantry. He will be focused on the Sixers. Not the Knicks and their glory.
"I don't really feel like watching that whole ceremony," Embiid said succictly. "Guess I'll be in the locker room, but it’s time to go. First game. There's nothing really special about it. The way I see it is taking it day by day. Slowly getting better to be able to—I got one thing in my mind, but it's about the process that it takes to get there. So that's what I'm focused on."
With that being said, the Sixers know they have their own goals in mind. Sure, taking on the Knicks on opening night will be a big test, but they've known their opening night opponent for a while. The focus is on growing and moving forward.
"We knew for a long time that’s something we’re looking forward to, but the composure and the way we’re handling it, it’s not added pressure," added Jabari Walker. "We have a long term goal."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Multiple Sixers give thoughts on facing Knicks on ring night in opener