By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia 76ers faced the Brooklyn Nets in their third preseason game. They came into the game looking to continue their offensive momentum after beating the Raptors last week. Continue it they did as they were able to cut Brooklyn with a strong shooting performance from beyond the arc. To beat them 115-104.
The Sixers jumped on Brooklyn from the opening tipoff. As Joel Embiid scored 14-points in the first quarter and the Nets had no answer for them. He put on a show in his second preseason game. It did not matter if it was from the perimeter or putting somebody on a poster with a monster one-handed slam. He had an I am ready for the regular season level performance and his teammates fed off that energy.
Now it is only the third preseason game for Philly and the one player that has taken advantage of his playing time is second- year guard Isaiah Joe. He got the start tonight because every other point guard for Philly. Were either missing in action or injured. He scored 20-points and hit five three-pointers. This was his third straight double-digit scoring night. He is making it hard for Doc Rivers to ship him to Wilmington, DE to play for the Blue Coats again. With his ability to be a deadeye from beyond the arc. He is earning a full-time roster spot with the Sixers. Joe has been making some strides in his second year so far and has a skillset Philly needs which is a consistent shot from beyond the arc. Joe is the type of shooter Philly needs who is not scared to shoot and can take full advantage of the wide-open shots on offense that comes with playing with Joel Embiid.
Philly dominated the Nets on all sides of the ball. Even without Ben Simmons they turned up the heat on defense and showed what the defensive plan maybe as the regular season approaches. As they trapped the Nets smaller guards. They forced 26 turnovers by the Nets which led to some easy dunks and threes for the Sixers. Philly now prepares for their final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. They will need to bring the energy on both sides of the ball to keep the young Pistons in check.