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Embiid comes up big as the Philadelphia 76ers start the 2022/23 Playoffs with a blowout win against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Philadelphia 76ers recorded a 121-101 victory against the Brooklyn Nets in a first-round NBA playoff fixture played on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
The Philadelphia 76ers ended the regular season with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and took on a Brooklyn Nets side that finished sixth.
The 76ers as the higher seed hosted the Nets and were able to get into a rhythm early to establish a five-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Nets with their switching defense were unable to prevent open shots, as the 76ers continued to make it rain from deep extending their lead to 10 at the halftime break.
It was a back-and-forth third quarter but the 76ers' second unit pulled away in the end and increased the advantage to 13.
The Nets targeted a comeback to start the fourth quarter but the 76ers roster quality ensured they held on late to record a 20-point blowout victory.
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Joel Embiid dominant for Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden put up big performances to take game one of the series against the Nets.
Embiid led the league in scoring during the regular season and against the Nets faced double teams on multiple occasions when posting up at the elbow.
It was a slow start for the big man from Cameroon but eventually got it going on offense in the second half of the game.
In 34 minutes of action, Embiid put up 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.
He was altering shots at the rim on defense and on offense and made seven of his 15 shots, including one of four from three-point range and a perfect 11 from the free-throw line.
It was another dominant performance for Embiid who is among the finalists for the 2022/23 Michael Jordan MVP award.
James Harden on fire from deep for Philadelphia 76ers
Veteran point guard James Harden was impressive as the Philadelphia 76ers started their playoff journey with a win against the Brooklyn Nets.
Harden led the league in assists during the regular season but tuned up his scoring for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Brooklyn Nets.
In 37 minutes of action, Harden recorded a double-double of 23 points and 13 assists. He also added four rebounds and one steal.
While Embiid was struggling, Harden stepped up big with massive shots from distance to stop runs by the Nets.
He made just eight of his 21 shots but was seven of 13 from three-point range and did not attempt a free throw.
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Harden defaulted to his natural role as the Philadelphia 76ers creator in the second half as Embiid got going on offense.
The Philadelphia 76ers now have a 1-0 series lead against the Brooklyn Nets and return for the second game as hosts scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
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