Sir Charles in Charge
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Philadelphia continues to show the Sixers Brotherly Love

By John W. Butler III

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks onto the court as a fan holds up a sign prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks onto the court as a fan holds up a sign prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The city of Philadelphia continues to show the Philadelphia 76ers Brotherly Love

The Philadelphia 76ers closed out the Miami Heat earlier this week, winning their first playoff series since 2012.

It’s been a long road for an organization that won just 10 games two seasons ago. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remains a constant. The relationship that this roster has with the city of Philadelphia allows the Sixers to thrive on the court.

The events leading up to Game 5 almost seemed scripted. Beloved musician, and Philadelphia native, Meek Mill took a helicopter directly from prison to South Broad Street. He had spent nearly five months in jail for a controversial parole violation that has sparked a nationwide debate regarding prison reform.

Sixers part-owner Michael Rubin actually picked the rapper up from jail and brought him to the game.

The arena erupted when the hometown celebrity began to ring the ceremonial Liberty Bell before tip-off. You couldn’t help but notice him sitting courtside, basking in the unbelievable moment with his 7-year-old son and fellow Philadelphian Kevin Hart.

The 76ers fed off of that energy the entire game. After all, this wasn’t just a publicity stunt. Joel Embiid and his teammates have been advocates for their friend’s freedom throughout the entire incarceration.

"“When he was in jail, I went to visit him,” shared Embiid with reporters following the victory. “He wasn’t feeling good. You could tell he was trying to hold on… I was just excited he got to witness this. I know he’s always representing the city and loves this city so much.”"

This Sixers roster has embraced the idea of representing the city’s culture as well. Whether it’s Ben Simmons refusing to back down from Miami’s James Johnson, or Embiid deciding to play with a serious injury, the Sixers embody the mentality that is Philadelphia.

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This squad has been receiving an extra push from Philadelphia celebrities for quite some time. It started long before Kevin Hart’s courtside jokes and Meek Mill’s unforgettable night. Actor, and minority owner of the franchise, Will Smith has imparted words of wisdom over the years. During the infancy of “The Process” he surprised everyone and appeared at a team dinner.

Actors and musicians aren’t the only ones motivating this group on a consistent basis. The physical presence of Allen Iverson at games serves as a reminder of just how much Philadelphia embraces its legends. The former Sixer receives a standing ovation every time his name is mentioned at the Wells Fargo Center. Perhaps witnessing that type of adoration drives this roster to achieve the one thing that Iverson couldn’t. “I think our time is now,” shared the Hall of Famer on ESPN’s First Take. It speaks volumes when a guy as blunt as AI believes in your ability to win a championship.

The Philadelphia fan base has provided this squad with something far more important than cheers and standing ovations from its celebrities. The Sixers feed off of the patience that the city has given them. Coach Brett Brown is in his fifth season with the team, and it hasn’t always been pretty. There’s been no outcry to find his replacement. He’s been allowed to bring his guys along slowly.

These fans are only concerned with the end result. As long as there is improvement, everything else can be figured out later. Markelle Fultz was the No. 1 pick in the draft. He’s played in just three of the team’s five postseason games, averaging a mere seven minutes a night. No one is questioning why T.J. McConnell is getting the majority of the backup point guard time. That takes a lot of pressure off these guys, allowing them to focus on the task at hand.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs: What we learned from the Sixers-Heat first-round series

The city of Philadelphia is riding a championship high. Villanova has captured two NCAA basketball titles in the last three seasons. The Eagles won their team’s first Super Bowl just three months ago. The Sixers witnessed the satisfaction of victory and the celebrations that followed. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

What makes the Philadelphia 76ers so special is that they are just as concerned with brining a title home for the city as they are for one another.