Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets Game 2: Preview
The 76ers took control of Game 1 with James Harden and Joel Embiid dominating in their 121-101 victory over the Nets. Will Game 2 be another beating?
Joel Embiid and James Harden dominated in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 playoff win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Embiid finished with 26 points and Harden finished with 23 points and 13 assists to lead the Sixers to a commanding 121-101 victory. Harden also added seven three-pointers, his most ever with Philly.
76ers vs Nets Game 2
The Sixers now lead 1-0 in the series as they head into Game 2 on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Nets are going to look to even the series early if they want to gain any momentum. But competing against Embiid and Harden is no small task, and the 20-point difference in Game 1′s final score proved that.
“Defensively, we have to get stops,” said Harden after Game 1. “And then offensively, as much space as we can. Tonight was a great example - that unit is going to be extremely key. Tonight was a great start for us and we’ve got to be even better in Game 2.”
Nets vs 76ers: how to watch game 2
Though the Nets managed to double- team Embiid and slow him down, they still couldn’t stop him.
“Every single possession, they just kept doubling. It didn’t matter where I was - half-court, three-point line,” said Embiid. “So I just have to trust in my teammates, got to make the simple plays.”
In the regular season, the 76ers easily swept the series with the Nets 4-0, winning by a combined total of 45 points. However, the Nets did have the advantage shooting from the field in Game 1. They shot 55% to Philadelphia’s 47% and kept the score close for the first half of the game with Mikal Bridges leading the scoring. After falling behind in the second half and not being able to find an answer for Harden and Embiid, though, Brooklyn couldn’t catch back up.
The Sixers are 10-point favorites yet again entering Game 2 and should be feeling pretty confident after their 20-point Game 1 win. Covering that spread in the past hasn’t proven to be too difficult for them against the Nets and though Brooklyn may be able to keep it a closer game, Philadelphia should be able to do it again on Monday night.