76ers rally in fourth quarter to defeat Nets in Game 3.
1. Introduction
In a closely contested game, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 102-97 in Game 3 of the first-round series. Joel Embiid, the 76ers’ center, played through pain and finished the game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and a crucial block in the closing seconds. Tyrese Maxey was the star of the night for Philadelphia, scoring 25 points and hitting a tie-breaking three-pointer with 44 seconds left.
76ers Dominate Nets in Game 3, Look to Sweep Series in Game 4
2. 76ers Take 3-0 Lead on Nets
With the victory, the 76ers took a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. They can sweep the series with a win on Saturday in Brooklyn. The Nets, who lost James Harden to an ejection in the third quarter, have now lost nine straight playoff games and are on the brink of being swept for the second consecutive year.
3. Maxey Takes Over Offense
Maxey, a rookie guard, took over the offense for the 76ers in the fourth quarter when Harden was ejected. He scored eight straight points, erasing a five-point deficit and putting Philadelphia ahead 99-96 on his three-pointer.
4. Embiid’s Block Secures Win
In the game’s final seconds, with the Nets trailing by three, Spencer Dinwiddie drove to the basket for a potential game-tying layup. But Embiid rose up and swatted the shot away, preserving the victory for the 76ers.
5. Nets Struggle in Playoffs
The Nets have struggled in the playoffs, losing nine straight postseason games. They are on the verge of being swept in the first round for the second consecutive year.
6. Harden Ejected for Groin Shot
Harden was ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant foul on Royce O’Neale. The play was controversial, as some observers felt that O’Neale had embellished the contact. Nevertheless, the officials ruled that Harden had made contact with O’Neale’s groin area, and he was ejected from the game.
7. Embiid Controversial Non-Ejection
Embiid also courted controversy in the game’s first quarter when he kicked Nets center Nic Claxton in the groin area. The play drew loud boos from the Brooklyn crowd, and many observers on social media questioned why Embiid was not ejected from the game. Some noted that Golden State’s Draymond Green had been suspended for a similar incident in Game 2 of the Warriors’ playoff series against the Sacramento Kings.
8. Game Recap
The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading leads in the first half. The 76ers led by 11 points at halftime, but the Nets stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 35-18 to take an 82-76 lead into the fourth quarter. The 76ers rallied in the final period.
9. Final Thoughts
Joel Embiid's late-game heroics, combined with Tyrese Maxey's clutch performance, helped the 76ers take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Nets. While the Nets put up a valiant effort, they were unable to overcome the loss of James Harden and the Sixers' strong defensive play. With a chance to sweep the series in Game 4, the 76ers will look to continue their dominant playoff run and advance to the second round.
