The Philadelphia 76ers took a 1-0 series lead over the Brooklyn Nets yesterday afternoon, winning 121-101 in what was basically a wire-to-wire victory down at The Well in South Philadelphia. 

The Sixers connected on 21 of 43 shots from the three point line, setting a franchise postseason record for made 3s in a game. James Harden scored 23 points on 8-of-21 shooting and did most of his damage from beyond the arc, knocking down 7-of-13 from long range, including five 3s in the first half. 

Along with seven 3-pointers, Harden added 13 assists, while the MVP of the National Basketball Association, Joel Embiid, scored 26 points with five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks. 

JAMES HARDEN: 23 PTS | 13 AST | 4 REB | 1 STL

Originally tweeted by Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) on April 15, 2023.

In my series preview yesterday, I told everyone that we obviously knew that Joel Embiid would come out and perform in what’s really his first healthy playoff appearance over the last four years.

Outside of Embiid, was really the question mark, and yesterday we got answers on Tobias Harris and PJ Tucker and how they would perform now that the playoffs started. 

Tobias Harris finished the game with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Harris added four rebounds, four assists, and a block on the day, playing one of his best games on both sides of the court that really haven’t seen in a while. 

As for “Playoff PJ” Tucker, he also played arguably his best game in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform scoring six points with seven rebounds (five offensive), two assists, and FIVE steals. 

Tyrese Maxey scored 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three point range with five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks. 

The bench unit, led by Paul Reed, also played well and with the game on cruise control in the Sixers’ favor, got extended playing time in Game 1. 

BBALL PAUL. OUT THE MUD. OUT THE SOIL.

Originally tweeted by Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) on April 15, 2023.

Jalen McDaniels finished with five points, Niang scored eight, and De’Anthony Melton scored six points with three rebounds, five assists, and a steal. 

For the Nets, they relied heavily on Mikal Bridges to keep them in the game for the first half. The Great Valley grad and Villanova alumni scored 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the floor. 

Side Note: I completely understand that Bridges is a hometown kid that the Sixers drafted and then stupidly traded away. It sucks because he’s an outstanding player. Obviously. But at the same time, the broadcast and Sixers fans need to get over it. At one point, Kate Scott even questioned why Bridges wasn’t getting move love from the crowd yesterday. This is the playoffs and Bridges is on the Brooklyn Nets people. Get over it.

Anyways, the Brooklyn Nets are clearly not built to hang with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Yesterday, the Sixers won the battle along the perimeter and shots were dropping at will. Is that going to happen the rest of the series? Possibly, but the Sixers will likely have to get back to business with an Embiid “takeover” at some point. 

Game 1 Highlights: Nets at Sixers

Originally tweeted by Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) on April 16, 2023.

Up Next:

The Sixers will host the Nets tomorrow night for Game 2, looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

On Thursday night, I’ll be at Bankroll Philly with Sean Brace and Buster from Q102 broadcasting live for Game 3 in Brooklyn. If you’re in the city, come hangout. We’ll watch the Sixers, talk some shit, and I’ll have a bunch of t-shirts on me from the shop to give out. Should be fun.

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