New York Knicks wing Josh Hart is a bit confused by how Philadelphia 76ers fans have reacted to one particular thing during their playoff series.
Much has been made about the Knicks’ Villanova connection, with Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo having all played for the school. That has led Villanova’s X account to post highlights of those players’ exploits against the 76ers, which has prompted a backlash among some Philadelphia sports fans, who think the suburban Philadelphia university should be loyal to the hometown 76ers.
Our guys @jalenbrunson1 and @Divincenzo with two HUGE 3s to seal the Win in Game 2😤@jalenbrunson1 24 pts | 8 reb | 6 ast@Divincenzo 19 pts | 4 reb@joshhart 21 pts | 15 reb pic.twitter.com/dY3NKXVMHr
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) April 23, 2024
Hart was asked about that reaction on Wednesday, and he found the reaction from Philadelphia fans to be ridiculous.
Villanova's MBB account posted a highlight reel of Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo's performances in the series. Hart is asked about it being received negatively by Philly fans:
"I think it's idiotic that Philly fans are mad about that…Villanova is in our blood" pic.twitter.com/nrqQKKMEfL
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2024
“That’s stupid. Villanova’s in our blood, bro,” Hart said. “That’s a bond that goes deeper than where you’re from or who you’re rooting for. We have a bond there that goes beyond basketball, that goes beyond any of that stuff. For Philly fans to be mad about that, I think that’s idiotic. That’s who we are. We’re a family. We play for the ones that come before us there.
“I don’t care about it. I think it’s idiotic that Philly fans are mad about that because, whether they like it or not, Villanova’s in our blood.”
Villanova’s social media account is meant to promote Villanova basketball. When their former players are performing at a high level in the NBA Playoffs, it is in their interest to draw attention to that, even if it is at the expense of another Philadelphia sports team.
Hart really has not had much patience for what the Sixers or their fans have had to say during the series. With the Knicks up 2-0, he has little reason to care.
