By: Kylan Watson
After being torched by the Portland Trailblazers on Thursday night. The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets, and bounce back they did. They used a hot shooting night and some great perimeter defense to burn the Nets 124-108.
The Sixers started the game at a blazing pace they hit their first couple of shots from the field. They were able to take advantage of the undersized Brooklyn defenders. Center Joel Embiid had another dominating night, he scored 17 of his 33-points by half-time. Thanks to his scoring the Sixers were able to get out to a three-point lead at half-time.
Even though the Nets were significantly undermanned, missing forward Kevin Durant because of the league’s health and safety protocols and guard Kyrie Irving because of a sprained finger. Despite missing those two players. They still made it tough on the Sixers. They were led by guard James Harden. Who dominated most of the Sixers defenders. He scored 26-points and had 10 assists. His scoring really helped keep the Nets in it. At one point the Nets were able to take a six -point lead behind his scoring.
This was a tough game, but the Sixers were able to take control in the third quarter. They turned on the defensive pressure. Especially on the perimeter. The game really turned around mid-way through the third quarter when guard/forward Ben Simmons started defending Harden. Once that happened the Sixers were unlocked. They were able to go on a 14-0 scoring run late in the third quarter, powered by forward/guard Danny Green (11-points) and Simmons (16-points). Green hit three three-pointers and really helped push the lead. He brought the thunder on the offensive side and Simmons brought the heat on defensive side really pressuring the shooters of the Nets. Both combined for 28-points on the night.
Simmons effort on both sides of the ball did not go un-noticed, “It’s amazing what he singlehandedly does for your offense. I don’t know if anybody in the league creates threes like Ben Simmons does,” said Head Coach Doc Rivers.
Philly pass the test tonight and they were able to dominate on both ends of the floor over a severely weakened Brooklyn. Both of these teams may meet again in the playoffs. Philly was able to tie the season series and the next time they meet Philly will have to contend with Durant and Irving. Right now the Sixers have been able to add to their resume by beating the Nets and now will head on a western conference road-trip next week to start a new streak and continue to build the team chemistry.
