Nets Dominate Sixers in Simmons’ Return
The Brooklyn nets delivered a resounding victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, triumphing 129-100 in a game that saw Ben Simmons face a frosty reception from his former fans. while Simmons remained on the bench, unused, the Nets showcased their offensive prowess, led by the stellar performances of Kevin Durant and kyrie Irving.
Durant, with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Irving, who contributed 22 points, dismantled the Sixers’ defense with their exceptional shooting. Seth Curry,facing his former team,added 24 points and 5 steals in a performance reminiscent of a classic revenge game. The Nets’ shooting accuracy was remarkable, exceeding 60% for a notable portion of the game, leading to a commanding 36-point advantage at one point.
“The arena became eerily quiet,” Durant remarked after the game,referencing the silenced chants directed at Simmons earlier.
In contrast, James Harden, who recently surpassed Reggie Miller for third place on the all-time three-pointers list, had a forgettable night.Despite his historic achievement, Harden struggled, missing all ten of his two-point attempts and finishing with onyl 11 points and 6 assists. He was seen on the bench with a calf bandage in the second half, adding to the Sixers’ woes.
Joel embiid, while managing 27 points and 12 rebounds, couldn’t single-handedly salvage the game for Philadelphia. He relied heavily on free throws, scoring 15 points from the line, and struggled with his field goal shooting, connecting on only five of his 17 attempts. Tobias Harris was the Sixers’ second-highest scorer with 16 points.
The Sixers’ overall shooting percentage was a dismal 32%, highlighting their offensive struggles. “We lacked momentum today,” Harden admitted, attempting to find a silver lining. “But since my arrival, everything has been positive. This game was a reality check. they simply outplayed us.”
The Nets dominated from the outset, unfazed by the opposed atmosphere. Both Durant and Irving scored 11 points in the first quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower. Curry’s accuracy from mid-range,coupled with a 14-2 run at the end of the quarter,propelled the Nets to a 40-23 lead.
The second quarter saw the Nets maintain their control. Irving continued his impressive scoring,durant added an And-1 against Embiid,and the Sixers struggled to find answers defensively. The Nets’ shooting percentage remained high (66%), while the Sixers lagged behind at a meager 27%.
The third quarter offered no respite for Philadelphia. Curry continued his hot streak, even sending a pointed glance towards the Sixers bench after a three-pointer. Harden, however, remained ineffective, and only Harris and Embiid offered some resistance. The lead continued to grow, and by the middle of the third quarter, boos echoed through the arena, directed not at simmons, but at the struggling Sixers.
The final quarter was largely a formality, with the Nets cruising to victory. the sixers managed to narrow the gap slightly, but the outcome was never in doubt.
The Nets, despite the win, remain eighth in the Eastern Conference, five games behind the first direct playoff spot. The Sixers, while still third, hold a slim lead over Chicago and Boston.
