4 Keys To The Sixers Winning Game 3 vs the Nets
Only two games into this First Round series and there have already been so many different variables between the Sixers and Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers lead 2-0 going into tonight’s game at Barclay Center, and while the confidence level of the city is swaying way towards the positive side, there are some concerns that have arisen.
Let’s take a look at some of those:
1) The play of James Harden.
The point guard has played two vastly different games in the playoffs. In game one he showcased almost all the elements of James Harden past, taking over late in the first half with a plethora of back-breaking three’s which propelled the Sixers to a nine-point lead in what became a 20-point win. He finished with 23 points and 13 assists. Game Two was a more pedestrian game for “The Beard” as he produced just eight points and seven assists, but still, it turned into a 12-point win. I’m not sure we’re going to get Game One Harden more or Game Two Harden more. I know what we all want, but if we’re being honest, somewhere in between might just be fine.
2) The play of Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris.
This may go hand-in-hand with No. 1. Hopefully it’s no coincidence that in the second game, where Harden was less productive, Maxey (33) and Harris (20) combined for 53 points on 31-for-45 shooting. As key as Harden is as the “head of the snake” of this team, those two can certainly help overcome any shortcomings that may be had by Harden.
3) Brooklyn’s defense.
There’s been little hiding by the Nets in what their goal is defensively, and that is to double and triple Joel Embiid every single time he touches the ball. So far there have been mixed results, at best. Embiid’s scoring has been a little bit down from the regular season, but other areas of his game have been even better. The Nets have picked their poison and decided that anyone else but Embiid has to beat them. Thanks to Harden, Maxey and Harris, the Sixers have done that. Will the Nets continue to implore this defense? It’s probably the biggest decision coach Jacque Vaughn has for Game 3.
4) Doc Rivers rotation.
Most of it is set in stone, but how many minutes guys get still seems up in the air. Case in point, Rivers using Jalen McDaniels for the full fourth quarter and keeping vet P.J. Tucker on the bench in Game 2. McDaniels, De’Anthony
Melton and Paul Reed are givens off the bench. Maybe a key tonight? If the Nets double and triple again and force the Sixers to shoot from outside, it may be a night where Georges Niang shines with some threes.