Philly Punches Back in Game 2

By: Kevin McLaughlin

PHILADELPHIA - Heading into game two of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) were looking to bounce back from a 111-102 loss at home against a young and unexperienced Brooklyn Nets (1-1) team. Seeming like a must-win situation, Joel Embid and company knew the importance of setting the tone for the remainder of the series. If Brooklyn wants an upset they’ll have to earn it, and that was most certainly the message sent on Monday night.

The pregame shootaround seemed tense, both teams aware of the importance of the game. Philadelphia’s All-Star Center, Joel Embid, has been in and out of injury and was listed as questionable for the game. Brooklyn’s veterans, Jared Dudley and Ed Davis, were also game time decisions. Embid ultimately started and posted an impressive 23 points and 10 rebounds in only 21 minutes played. While on the latter, Dudley was a DNP (did not play) and Davis only played 6 minutes due to soreness from game one.

Despite only trailing by one point at halftime, veteran presence on the court could have helped the Nets during the third quarter, where they were outscored by 30 points. The second half was dominated by the more physical and talented 76ers team, who closed out a 145-123 victory to tie the series. Philadelphia showed the fight they needed to beat a young team with nothing to lose. Expect nothing less than another hard fought battle by both teams in game 3, Thursday night, with both teams looking to take the lead in series.

Key players in Game 2:

Ben Simmons 18 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assist

Joel Emid 23 points, 10 rebounds

Spencer Dinwiddie 19 points