Phi leads series 2-1
Big nights from DeAngelo Russell and Caris LeVert were not enough as the Nets couldn't overcome an 18-point deficit, falling to the Sixers 131-115 in Game 3 of their first round series in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
With 8:39 to go in the third quarter Brooklyn found themselves right in the thick of things, down only five points with almost an entire second half in front of them. But it was JJ Redick's 25-foot three-pointer with 8:19 to go to push the Philly lead to 75-67 that seemed to jumpstart the Sixers.
Philadelphia would outscore the Nets 22-14 over the next eight minutes, with Reddick connecting on two more huge three-pointers as the Sixers jumped out to a 97-81 advantage with 1:11 to go in the third quarter.
The Nets were able to close the gap a bit on a 9-0 run with Spencer Dinwiddie's 23-foot step-back jumper and layup helping to pull the Nets to within 97-90.
But it just wasn't enough. A slam dunk and a jump shot by Philly's Ben Simmons, combined with a Nets offense that went completely cold in the fourth quarter doomed Brooklyn. Brooklyn just couldn't hit the big shots that Philadelphia was able to, that was the huge difference.
Five players were in double-figures for the Sixers, with Simmons leading the way with 31 points. Tobias Harris contributed 29, and Reddick 26 points. Not bad for a team that was playing without All Star Joel Embiid in the lineup, who missed the game with knee soreness.
While the Sixers connected on 48 percent of their shots, and 40 precent of their three-pointers, the Nets couldn't hit anything from downtown, converting on only 20 precent of their attempts beyond the arc.
Now down two-games-one, the Nets are in a must win situation in Game 4 on Saturday afternoon. A win and the Nets can turn the series into a best of three. A loss, and Philadelphia will only need to win at home in Game to eliminate the Nets.
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