In The Post: Sixers Edge Nets in Close Win; Lead Series 3-0
The Sixers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the host Nets in their best-of-seven series. It wasn’t easy at all, but they found a way to get it done with a tough road victory. The Sixers showed their mettle in a hard-fought ugly game.
Here’s what stood out:
A physical undertone
It started with 9:24 on the clock in the first quarter after a spectacular dunk by Brooklyn’s Nik Claxton over Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid. As Claxton landed and Embiid fell to the floor, the young center decided to step over the MVP candidate. Causing him to kick his leg up into Claxton as both players had to be separated. Embiid was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul while Claxton was issued a technical. Claxton was later tossed from the game after flexing towards the 76ers center in the final frame with just under nine minutes to play after another tough finish. The Nets could’ve used his presence down the stretch. He played his best game of the series with 18 points on 8 of 9 shooting before being run by the officials.
Tyrese Maxey continued his strong play
He had it going on again hitting shots from all over the floor in the first half. After just one shot attempt in the 3rd quarter and not many attempts in the first nine minutes of the 4th, Maxey went back into attack mode in the final three minutes, taking over down the stretch scoring 10 of the team’s last 13 points, including a huge three out of a timeout to break the tie, 99-96. He finished with a team-best 25 points, making five 3’s and just one turnover in 36-plus minutes of play. Another amazing performance.
James Harden had a nice bounce-back game
After not reaching double figures in Game 2, he bounced back. Harden finished with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. With just under 14 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Sixers point guard was issued a flagrant 2 foul call and was ejected after extending his left arm into the stomach of Nets forward Royce O’Neale causing him to fall to the floor. The officials took a look at the video and determined that there was enough for his ejection.
Tobias Harris taking advantage of the smaller guys
Whether it be Spencer Dinwiddie or Thomas, Harris did the right thing by going right at them for a few buckets in close. That needs to be his mindset for however long they’re in the postseason. 15 points and seven boards was his final line as he continues his stellar play in the series.
Next up will be Game 4 on Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn. Where the Sixers try to sweep the Nets and close the series.
You can listen top Devon’s Full Breakdown after the game below…
