Nets vs Sixers: Game Two

Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports

Brooklyn, NY (PSF) — After a rough blowout loss in game one the Brooklyn Nets showed signs of hope in game two but ultimately the same outcome happened, a loss. 

Similar to game one, Brooklyn had the stronger first half with Cam Johnson scoring 22 points and ending up with 28 points on 11-19 shooting. Johnson at one point had a monstrous highlight after he put Joel Embiid on a poster.   

In contrast to the previous game, the Nets' strategy of doubling Joel Embiid seemed to be more effective as the Brooklyn Nets had a 10 point lead in the second quarter. The dominant center was limited to scoring only 20 points and committing 8 turnovers, as the Nets successfully prevented him from going under the basket. 

The Nets had a halftime lead of 49-44, although they could have been in a more favorable position had they not missed opportunities at the free throw line. The team's performance was lackluster, with only 7 out of 11 free throws being successfully made. Both Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie contributed to the missed opportunities. Then like game one, the Nets offense fell apart. 

After a Doc Rivers timeout in the early third quarter, Cam Johnson and company cooled down.

The Nets had a sign of life in the fourth after timely shooting from Seth Curry which brought it within seven, but it wasn’t enough. 

While James Harden was ice cold, scoring only 8 points on 3-13 shooting, Tyrese Maxey heated up and brought the 76ers the win with 33 points. 

Despite Brooklyn's defensive tactics having an impact, the poor shooting performance from the Nets made it inconsequential. As a result, they find themselves down 0-2, with the Nets heading back to Brooklyn in hopes of winning at least one game and preventing a sweep.