4 Keys To The Sixers Winning Game 3 vs the Nets

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 17: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes up for a layup against Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 96-84.

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets Round 1 Schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers are BACK in the playoffs and have locked up the 3 seed. The team will take on the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Nets will be without Ben Simmons who ~~doesnt want to play basketball~~ is dealing with another injury. The rest of the makeshift roster is led by former Villanova standout, and Sixers draft pick Mikal Bridges. Even with Bridges elevating his play since coming over in the Kevin Durant deal, the team didnt see a ton of wins in the column.

Hopefully the Sixers can wrap this up in 4 games, but just in case, here is the schedule for the first round series!

Game 1: Saturday at 1pm in Philadelphia

Game 1 starts this SATURDAY for some day basketball!It will be broadcasted live on ESPN

Game 2: Monday at 7:30pm in Philadelphia

After the Sixers take a 1 game lead (I hope) theyll have one day off before game 2 tips off at 7:30 on TNT.

Game 3: Thursday at 7:30 in Brooklyn

The Sixers will then head up to Brooklyn for game 3, and get 2 days off in between games. The game will be on TNT

Game 4: Saturday at 1pm in Brooklyn

Could the Sixers close it out in game 4? We hope. Just like games 2 and 3 it will be on TNT

Game 5: Monday, TBD in Philadelphia

Well if they need a game 5 it will be Monday. While we dont know the official tip off time we can say with GREAT confidence that it wont be 1pm. Likely a 7 or 7:30 tip off. No word on who will broadcast this game on TV but the Fanatic has you covered ALWAYS

Game 6: Thursday, TBD in Brooklyn

The Sixers once again have a lot of time in between games as they prepare to head to Brooklyn. But they wont need it. Were just talking hypotheticals here. And hypothetically speaking, if they need this one it will be Thursday in Brooklyn. No word on start time or TV broadcast.

Game 7: Saturday, TBD in Philadelphia

If we need this game lord help us all. But if the series goes 7 it will be broadcast on TNT. No word on start time.

Bob CooneyEditor

Bob Cooney has been a part of the Philadelphia sports scene for more years than he wants to admit after 25 years in print media, and now in his seventh year at The Fanatic. Throughout the years, he has covered all sports from the World Series, multiple Final Fours and Regional Finals in men’s college basketball, to the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and the 76ers. He takes his sports media knowledge and background to a new level by joining a conversation with the passionate fans of this great city. He writes about the Sixers, Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies for the Fanatic.