NBA – Atlanta Hawks take out Sixers and advance to finals in the East

Hawks eliminate Sixers in Philadelphia

Philadelphie Sixers – Atlanta Hawks : 96-103
Atlanta wins series 4-3

The players may be young and inexperienced at this level of competition, but they are bursting with confidence and determination. For many, playing a Match 7 on the floor of the number one seed in the East can be intimidating. But not for them. They felt capable of winning in Philadelphia, like in Game 1 and Game 5 of the series. And they did. They won 103 to 96, thus validating their ticket to the finals of the Conference. A victory with a historic flavor since it is only the second time in 50 years that the franchise has reached the third round (the other disputed East final dates from 2015).

The Hawks had never played a Game 7 away from home before. But Trae Young and his teammates are a group apart. They never let go. A bit like their superstar, author of a catastrophic exit in terms of address. 5 of 23 on shots. Rather than bow his head and stop taking his chance – as a certain Ben Simmons would, for example – Young insisted. To finally plant a decisive three-point to give 6 lengths ahead (93-87) to his family 2 minutes and 30 seconds from the siren. It took a player to take over during the first three quarters. It was Kevin Huerter who stuck to it. The young fullback scored 27 points. Danilo Gallinari added 17 off the bench.

31 points but … 8 lost balls for Embiid

The two teams kept hitting each other for more than 40 minutes. With ties and constant changes (20 in total) on the scoreboard. But one formation seemed more united and more confident than the other. The Sixers got their holes. Joel Embiid scored 31 points but lost 8 balls. Ben Simmons, the target of criticism for several weeks, finished with 5 points and 4 shots attempted. In particular, he refused an open dunk to pass, “a turning point in the match“according to Embiid.

The Philadelphia franchise is going to have to ask questions all summer long. Doc Rivers was once again overwhelmed. His players squandered a 26-point lead in Game 5. They broke three times at home. Including this Match 7 at home. They were stronger and more experienced on paper. They had a potential MVP in addition to number one status in the East. But they did not know how to assume it. Or rather the credit goes to the Hawks, refreshing, courageous, talented and promising. They will therefore find the Bucks in the Conference finals.