The Nets led by 3 points at the very start of the match before running behind the Sixers for four quarters, finally losing 117-95. With Paul George and Joel Embiid absent, it's KJ Martin (12 points at 5/8) who shines twice in the paint in the first quarter to finally offer a nice overall score.
With 9 rebounds, Drummond will do the job under the circle against the Nets lacking toughness. Kelly Oubre Jr (3/5 in the 1st quarter) will offer a bit of spectacle with a “dunk” in transition. The Nets will offer little or no defensive retreat throughout the match and Philadelphia will take advantage of this to lead by 10 points from the middle of the first quarter. Without defense in front, Nick Nurse's men will easily break down the Nets via a few easy “alley-oops”.
Yabusele is having fun
The second quarter will belong to Guerschon Yabusele (9 points and 3 interceptions) who will have fun catching a ball on a loose throw-in from the Nets, to finish with a strong “dunk” with the power that we know from French. As soon as the 3rd quarter resumes, the Sixers will lead by 13 points, Brooklyn will come back to 4 points thanks to the efforts of Cam Johnson (11 points) and a nice “drive” in the paint, but the energy will not be contagious at the Nets.
The numbers will rotate in both camps, the Sixers will remain at +10 and rookie Adem Bona will shine with a nice counter at high altitude to signal the end of a one-sided match. Despite six players with more than 10 points, Brooklyn will remain too clumsy – like Cam Thomas with 17 points at 5/13 – to succeed in responding to the more confident Sixers.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
