The Philadelphia 76ers became the first and only team to sweep their first-round series in this year’s NBA playoffs. They did so despite not having Joel Embiid available for the final two games, even though both were on the road. The final was a 96-88 victory in Game 4.
“It starts with Joel,” Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey said. “He’s the leader of this team and for him, he takes the guys before the game and he told us good luck and we appreciate him for that. And we need him to get healthy.”
It was a poor first half of offensive results for the Sixers, as they were contained to just 40 points at the break. While the Nets were underwhelming, too, they still held a 48-40 lead at halftime. Philadelphia held Brooklyn to just 15 points in the third period to set up an 11-point scoring differential, proving to be the pivotal factor in establishing the outcome.
Not only did James Harden sorely struggle to score with suitable efficiency, but surprisingly, his backcourt partner — Tyrese Maxey — experienced the same. Harden was contained to just 17 points while shooting 4-18 from the floor, but particularly, just 2-13 from inside the 3-point line. However, he still dished out 11 assists and was 2-5 from deep and 7-8 on free throws. He often had to create in isolation after Nic Claxton switched against a screen, but struggled to execute.
“Just playing different styles and tonight having way more opportunities. I had plenty of opportunities, I just didn’t make them,” Harden said of his finishing struggles. “I’m usually just setting people up and, and things like that. So just a lot more attacks throughout the course of a 40-minute game. I had plenty of opportunities. I just didn’t make ’em.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Maxey was limited to scoring 16 points and finished 6-20 from the floor and 1-4 from beyond the arc. Without Embiid available to play, it’s difficult to envision the Sixers winning against a playoff opponent, with Harden and Maxey struggling to the degree they did. Philadelphia managed to overcome largely with the play of Tobias Harris, Paul Reed, and De’Anthony Melton.
Harris led the Sixers with an efficient 25 points and chipped in 12 rebounds. He was involved more as a post-up threat and isolation scorer, given that Philadelphia needed a reliable option to turn to without Embiid and with Harden and Maxey having an off night.
“Whatever the role has been throughout the year, I just work on the craft day in and day out for moments like this,” Harris said. “And I understand the type of game that the playoffs are, it’s for the hoopers to really shine and showcase their level of abilities to score in different spots and in different times.
“And for me, opportunities came here and I was able to take advantage of them. Just use my size and my strength.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Reed’s contributions to doing the dirty work were especially important in a game where suitable scoring efficiency wasn’t present for either team. Reed scored 10 points and hauled in 15 rebounds, eight occurring on the offensive glass. His scoring chances often occurred after the Nets’ defense was focused on loading up on one of the Sixers’ top talents.
There are probably more concerns that can be taken away from the Sixers’ playoff series victory over the Nets than positives considering the quality of play against a team that likely wouldn’t have come close to making the playoffs had this been their roster from the start of the season. Philadelphia isn’t going to go far if Harden is producing 17.3 points per game while shooting 34.3 percent from the floor and 26.5 percent on two-point field goals, as he did during this series.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
While the focus is on Embiid’s injury, the Sixers didn’t do a great job of handling the double teams that were sent his way. He was contained to just 20.0 points per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor while averaging more turnovers (5.0) than assists (4.0). Against such a scheme, Philadelphia should have ripped apart the Nets, making it easy for Harden and Co. to thrive.
The Sixers will play the winners of the 1-8 series involving the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. As of now, the Celtics hold a 3-1 series as they head back home for Game 5. Embiid, who underwent an MRI, will have time to recover before the Eastern Conference Semifinals begin.
“As a coach I hate that word, I hate those three letters. I mean, because it never comes out well,” Rivers said. “It just feels like that whenever they tell a coach, ‘Hey, we’re going to get an MRI,’ it doesn’t turn out well most of the time and this one did not.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Going forward, the Sixers will need better production from their backcourt. Assuming they face the Celtics next round, the matchups will be much more challenging. Boston has a three-headed guard defensive monster with Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown, with a quality option in Al Horford to handle Embiid. Factor in their overall versatility, and they are much better equipped than the Nets to double Embiid and still recover to close out possessions.
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