Brooklyn dominates 129-100 the 76ers of the great ex Harden: “There is little to say, they gave us a lesson”
Total domain. The Nets (34-33) send a clear message to the NBA and with a good performance make it clear to the 76ers (40-25) that they will also have to deal with them to get to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. . Brooklyn dominates from afar and eventually wins 129-100, taking revenge against former Nets James Harden.
The game
–
Ben Simmons naturally receives his fair share of boos during the warm-up, but the Wells Fargo Center crowd reserves applause for both Curry and Drummond for the introduction of the quintets. The Nets start off very well, with Durant picking up the pace from average, Irving giving up a few plays while Curry becomes a thorn in the side of his stepfather Doc Rivers’ team defense. The first basket of former James Harden is a hat-trick and allows the “Barba” to overtake Reggie Miller and settle in third place in the historic ranking of baskets thinking in the NBA. Meanwhile, during downtime, backing vocals (some even exaggerated) arrive at the address of public enemy number one, Ben Simmons.
I draw it
–
Brooklyn is playing great basketball and hitting +11 midway through the first half, Embiid starts to pick up the pace and drives home clean but the visiting team on offense continues to find great conclusions. The Nets in the fractional final also manage to stretch and with Irving’s hat-trick on the mermaid they close the first quarter with 40 points on the scoresheet and a 17-length advantage. Meanwhile, Embiid has already gone for the line 13 times. Brooklyn hits +20, Harris tries to ignite the 76ers offense but Harden, surprisingly well marked by Irving, continues to struggle with the basket and misses 12 of his first 13 shots from the field. KD and his teammates play very well, arrive at +24 and return to the locker room, after an absolutely spatial first half, ahead 72-51. Brooklyn in the first two quarters shoots with a surreal 64.4% from the field, Philadelphia with 27% and is only saved thanks to free throws, 25 of which 19 by Embiid. Those expecting a reaction from the hosts in the third quarter are disappointed. The scenario does not change one iota, the Nets hold the reins of the match always finding excellent solutions in attack. Too easy for the New York team who even manage to stretch and reach +32.
surrender
–
Philadelphia fans no longer boo Simmons but the confusing 76ers. Harden just can’t get back on track, an inaccurate Embiid is not enough, Brooklyn does what he wants and closes every speech already at the end of the third period. The last quarter thus becomes a long “garbage time” with the Nets having fun and the 76ers suffering their first loss with Harden in the lineup. “There is little to say – emphasizes the former Nets James Harden – they taught us a lesson”.
Philadelphia Cream:Embiid 27 (3/14, 2/3, 15/19 tl), Harris 16, Harden, Niang 11. Rebounds: Embiid 12. Assists: Harden, Milton 5.
Brooklyn :Durant 25 (7/11, 3/6, 2/3 tl), Curry 24, Irving 22. Rebounds: Durant 14. Assists: Dragic, Durant 7.
