Joel Embiid scored 26 points and James Harden added 23 to lead the Philadelphia 76ers over the Brooklyn Nets 121-101 in an NBA first-round playoff series opener on Sunday (AEST).
The host Sixers, who led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, sank a club playoff record 21 3-pointers in 43 attempts to seize a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven opening series, which continues Monday in Philadelphia.
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“(That) was a good win for us,” Harden said.
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MORE COVERAGE ‘Delly almost died’: Hilarious reveal on Aussie NBA legend’s iconic Steph showdown Giddey gone: Aussie gun’s season over after bloody NBA beat down Exiled NBA star cops 30-game ban for domestic violence “Just finding ways to impact the game possession by possession,” said Harden, a former Nets back-court star. “It’s the playoffs. Things don’t go the way you want as much as you want them to. You’ve got to keep pushing, keeping fighting, and I’m happy we got a win.” In the times the Nets stifled Embiid, Harden picked them apart with inside moves, skilled shotmaking and precision passing. “I’ve been doing it for a very, very long time at the highest level so it’s pretty easy,” Harden said. “As long as I get into the paint and create good shots, I’m doing my job. Most of the time my teammates are making the shots.” Philadelphia made a club one-half playoff record of 13 3-pointers on the way to a 67-58 halftime edge. While excited at the triumph, Harden tried to keep a perspective on the first step in a two-month playoff chase for the championship. “Stay even keel,” he said. “There are going to be some good moments, some low moments. You win a game. You lose a game. Stay even keel and look at the bigger picture.” Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges scored a game-high 30 points, but only seven in the second half. FULL NBA RESULTS 76ers 121-101 Nets Celtics v Hawks Cavaliers v Knicks Kings v Warriors
