Philadelphia wins with difficulty against Washington to launch its play-offs in the NBA

The Sixers are, more than ever, expected at the turn of the play-offs. Buzzed by Kawhi Leonard and Toronto in the 2019 conference final, slapped by the Boston Celtics (4-0) in the first round last year, Philadelphia has since healed its wounds. Strong leaders in the Eastern Conference, Doc Rivers’ men hosted Washington for their first playoff game and started off in a good way, with a 125-118 victory.

Tobias Harris carried the Sixers

If Joel Embiid was obviously expected at the turn, Tobias Harris also had to be up to the task to win the first meeting against Washington. In the first half, the Sixers winger was everywhere scoring 37 points at 15/29 on the shot. Harris was especially valuable in racket, the dominant area of ​​Philadelphia, where he scored 24 units.

If Philadelphia suffered from awkwardness in the first half (3/15 to three points), the Sixers gunners then set the sights. Seth Curry and Danny Green waited until the third quarter to convert their three points. In the third quarter alone, the Sixers returned 5 of their 6 long attempts. Stephen Curry’s brother also scored all of his 15 points in the second half.

The Wizards’ racquet dominated by Joel Embiid

It was one of the major issues in the confrontation between Sixers and Wizards. Washington defenders couldn’t contain Joel Embiid in the racket. If Alex Len had a good offensive match (12 points), the pivot was constantly in difficulty when defending on the Cameroonian.

The same goes for Robin Lopez and Daniel Gafford (10 points to 5/5) who will have suffered in the face of Embiid’s physical strength at work and in painting. In total, the pivotal MVP candidate finishes with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. The point guard Ben Simmons was decisive and put himself at the service of his teammates with 6 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists.

Beal at the rendezvous, Westbrook lacking success

To win against the second best defense in the NBA, Washington had to rely on its two best players. The Wizards point guard struggled a lot in the first half. Westbrook lost 3 balls, conceded 3 fouls and was risky in some shooting and passing choices. In the end, “Monsieur Triple Double” finished with 16 points (7/16), 14 assists and 5 rebounds. At 37 seconds from the end, the leader finally lost a ball by putting his foot on the exit line …

At his side, Bradley Beal assured him despite an important defense on him. The rear managed to extricate itself from Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris or Matisse Thybulle to return 33 points with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. In the third quarter the back even scored 17 points after a difficult first half in scoring (10 points). His contribution also allowed the Wizards to stay alive before the end of the fourth quarter.