Maxey and Embiid forget weak start Philadelphia 76ers increase to 2-0 against Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers (E3) – Brooklyn Nets (E6) 96:84 (BOXSCORE), Serie: 2-0

The Sixers had all kinds of problems early on, but all of that was forgotten early in the second half. With a 20:5 run in the third quarter, they not only turned the game around and were suddenly 64:56 ahead, they also set the course for a 2-0 series lead.

The Nets, who played well before the break and had gained a decent lead through Cam Johnson (28 points), lost more and more of the game as the game went on and sometimes missed the simplest throws without need. The hosts, on the other hand, became more and more confident from the field and pulled away decisively towards the end.

The Sixers had previously made a manageable start to the game and made countless mistakes. Or, as Sixers coach Doc Rivers commented, “I thought we wasted the entire first half.”

There were 11 turnovers after 24 minutes, plus only 4/16 from outside. James Harden was particularly weak, scoring only 2 points (1/7 from the field) but still serving 5 assists.

And despite all that, Philly were only five points down at the break after the Nets temporarily held a ten point lead. That left the door open for the home side to come back. The Nets had just 35 points in the second half (14 in the 3rd quarter).

NBA Playoffs: Embiid dominates the boards

A big reason the Sixers didn’t initially lose out was Joel Embiid’s impressive performance under the baskets: he racked up 15 rebounds in the first half. That’s the most in one half of a playoff game for a Sixers player in the past 25 seasons.

Embiid ended up with 20 points and 19 rebounds (7 assists). Meanwhile, the Sixers’ top scorer was Tyrese Maxey with 33 points. Harden, on the other hand, was content with 8 points (3/13). Johnson was the top scorer in the Nets, Mikal Bridges scored 21 points (6/15).

NBA Playoffs: Die Stats-Leader bei Sixers vs. Nets