Joel Embiid showed off his incredible skill set and dominated the game. Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons were both efficient and good performers, and the Sixers bench was superb.
The Philadelphia 76ers team was concentrated and well organized in the game with their 127-111 thrashing of the Atlanta Hawks in Eastern Conference Semifinal series Game 3.
The Sixers made what most may consider a difficult task appear easy, namely winning a playoff game on the road. They took a 2-1 series lead and regained home-court advantage thanks to outstanding individual and team efforts.
Embiid, who is playing with a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, did not look hurt, scoring 27 points, collecting nine rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. In addition, he took advantage of any fouls given by the Atlanta Hawks, shooting 12 of 16 free throws.
In an interview, Sixers Coach Doc Rivers mentioned Embiid, stating, “He’s putting in a lot of effort. He’s giving us everything he’s got, and what he’s doing is tremendous. But, I’ll tell you, he’s going through a lot, and it’s been fascinating to see.”
Embiid averaged 35.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals in this series.
Harris finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Simmons chipped in with 18 points and seven assists. Furkan Korkmaz scored 14 points, while Seth Curry added 12.
Sixers coach was also thrilled with Simmons’ performance, who played a crucial part in holding Atlanta’s Trae Young at bay in their last two meetings. “It’s tiring when you think about what we’re expecting Ben to do, follow Trae Young around push the ball up the floor and with pace,” he said in an interview.
The Sixers’ bench outscored Atlanta’s bench 48-32 as well.
“Every single man we’re phoning right now has reacted for us, which is great,” Rivers added.
It was a performance befitting of a squad aiming for a deep playoffs run.
The Sixers have another ailment that has to be addressed. Danny Green, the starter, departed the game in the first quarter with a strained right calf. But they played well enough without Green to win. Rivers stated that he does not anticipate Green playing in Game 4.
Philadelphia shot 58.2 percent from the field and 47.6 percent on three-pointers, while Atlanta shot 47.6 percent and 26.1 percent on three-pointers.
Young had 28 points and eight assists to lead the Hawks. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 19 points, and John Collins scored 23 points and seven rebounds.
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