South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach Dawn Staley took on an especially important role in tonight’s match; the Philadelphia 76ers‘ tradition of ringing the ceremonial bell before each game. What followed was not only an ordinary pre-game ritual but also a heartfelt moment of companionship between Staley and player Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, which perfectly captured the spirit of sportsmanship and their mutual respect for one another.

The Sixers have a popular tradition of ringing their ceremonial bell thrice before every home game; a tradition that serves as a good luck charm and has become a post-game locker room celebration for the players as well. Dawn Staley was given the honor of ringing the bell tonight and she got the crowd going.

She was spotted courtside with former Sixers player Julius Erving, AKA Dr J.

Behind the scenes, before the game started, Knicks’ player Jalen Brunson was spotted sharing a sweet moment with Staley where the two of them embraced before the player ran out to the game.

The moment between the two received wholesome reactions from fans everywhere. The spirits are high at tonight’s game, tune in right now to watch the Sixers against the Knicks in Game 4!

Stay tuned for more updates…