Philadelphia Sixers Secure Sweep Against Nets Without Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs with Joel Embiid out with a sprained right knee. The final score of the game was 96-88. According to Clutch Points, James Harden had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 4. Tyrese Maxey had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist. Tobias Harris had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist. Lastly, Paul Reed had 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists. Moving on to the stats of the Nets players, Mikal Bridges had 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; Nic Claxton had 19 points, 12 rebounds, 0 assists, and 4 blocks; Spencer Dinwiddie had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

Harris was the biggest reason the Sixers swept the Nets and got through the first round. Harden commented on Harris’s performance, “He was great. He was attacking the basket. Finishing around the rim. Knocking threes down. Defensively, being great.” Later on, Harden also stated, “It’s a special performance for him in a close-out, and we needed him.” With Embiid out, Harris stepped up, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Despite this excellent performance, the series wasn’t a pretty one. The Sixers were trailing the Nets during their games and Harden and Maxey struggling making shots. It is unknown whether Embiid’s knee will be ready for the next round, and even if it is, he may be limited when the Sixers play the Boston Celtics due to the other team being known to get physical. Watch the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs to see what happens!