3 Takeaways 76ers-Nets
The Philadelphia 76ers arrived in New York City for a Saturday night tilt against the division foes, the Brooklyn Nets, and safe to say they took care of business with a dominating victory, 123-94. In the first quarter, the 76ers were up by 10 thanks to Joel Embiid, who went 6-9 from the field and scored 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds. They expanded it to 17 in the second quarter, as small forward Caleb Martin was perfect from the field and scored 15 points. In the third quarter, Philadelphia went on runs of 10-2 and 8-0 to lead by 25 after three quarters, as Tyrese Maxey scored 9 points in the third. In the end, four of the 76ers scored in double figures, led by Embiid, who finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the team shot 51% from the field and 38% from 3- point range. But, how did the 76ers make it look so easy, well here are 3 takeaways from the game.
1. Starters light it up in the first half
Joel Embiid, Paul George and Martin combined for 48 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in the first half. The starters expanded the lead to 17 points at halftime, as they shot 51% from the field (23-45) and 13-16 from the free throw line. Embiid looked like someone,who once again was having fun playing basketball in the first half, as he dominated Brooklyn’s center, Nic Claxton down low and on the glass.
2. Philadelphia did not want a repeat
On Thursday night, the 76ers no-showed against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors showed why they have won multiple titles, while the 76ers basically went through the motions, got ran out of the building and were embarrassed losing by 34, then took the red eye quickly out of California. So, safe to say, coach Nick Nurse probably let it be known, that everyone will play, and need to come out of the gate like their asses were on fire. It seemed to work on Saturday, and maybe this is what they needed, in regards to a bad Nets team. After this, Philadelphia plays three straight games at home, and five on their next six overall, will be at the Wells Fargo Center.
3. Brooklyn is still Brooklyn
Let’s face it, the Nets are not a good team. It does amaze me, that a couple of years ago, this team was a Kevin Durant foot in front of the arc to making the NBA finals. However, since then this organization has gone backwards dramatically. Getting rid of their big three (Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden), acquiring Ben Simmons, who is always “hurt”, and stealing money. Finally, they just seem to be one of those organizations like the Washington Wizards, New York Jets, Miami Marlins, and that is they will just spin their wheels and either tell their base, hey we are building for the future, but in reality, they will continue to flounder year after year. Tonight, they shot 41% from the field, 25% from three-point range and committed 20 turnovers, which killed their offense against Philadelphia.
Next game: Monday January 6 vs. Phoenix Suns
-David Weightman/ Olde City Sports Network