Joel Embiid was not at his best but the Philadelphia 76ers were able to defeat the Brooklyn Nets.
The Philadelphia 76ers recorded a 102-97 victory away against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 3 of an NBA Western Conference round one Playoff fixture in the early hours of Friday, April 21, 2023.
The Philadelphia 76ers already dominated the series on home court with back-to-back victories in Game 1 and Game 2.
In Game 3, the Philadelphia 76ers started out well as they put up 32 points to establish a four-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Philadelphia 76ers continued their dominance holding the Brooklyn Nets to just 19 points and taking an 11-point lead to the halftime break.
The Nets playing in front of their home crowd came out hot in the third quarter to put up 35 points and erase the 76ers advantage to establish a six-point lead.
The Philadelphia 76ers were able to re-establish their rhythm in the final quarter executing on the offensive end and holding the Nets to just 15 points.
The 76ers held on for a five-point win to take a 3-0 lead and control of the series.
Joel Embiid struggles for the Philadelphia 76ers
Cameroonian professional basketball player Joel Embiid struggled for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Nets.
The Nets continued their operation of several coverages to throw off Embiid in his offensive rhythm.
The MVP favorite put up just 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks in 38 minutes of action.
He made just five of 13 shots, did not make any from three-point range but was four of five from the free throw line.
Embiid had help from young point guard Tyrese Maxey just as he did with 33 points in Game 2.
Maxey led the 76ers in scoring again did time with 25 points while adding three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
He made 10 of 17 shots including five of eight from three-point range and was a constant threat.
The 76ers return to action against the Nets for Game 4 scheduled for Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Related content
06:05 - 18.04.2023
NBA PLAYOFFS Embiid gets help from Maxey as the Philadelphia 76ers beat Brooklyn Nets in Game 2
Maxey shows up big as the Philadelphia 76ers take a 2-0 lead against the Brooklyn Nets in the series.
21:35 - 15.04.2023
NBA PLAYOFFS Embiid and Harden propel Philadelphia 76ers to beat Brooklyn Nets in game 1
Embiid comes up big as the Philadelphia 76ers start the 2022/23 Playoffs with a blowout win against the Brooklyn Nets.
10:00 - 15.04.2023
NBA Giannis Antetokounmpo to battle Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid for 2022/23 MVP
Check out the finalists for the NBA 2022/23 regular season awards.
17:21 - 08.04.2023
NBA 76ers Joel Embiid set to win second consecutive scoring title
Philadelphia 76ers centre, Joel Embiid is averaging 33.1 points per game and is set to win back-to-back NBA scoring titles.