The favorite Philadelphia 76ers started the playoff series with a win against the Brooklyn Nets. In the first playoff duel of the NBA season, the 76ers won 121:101 on Saturday (April 15, 2023) and took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
In a sold-out arena with 20,913 spectators, the 76ers never fell behind and continuously increased their lead over the entire duration of the game. James Harden sank seven three-pointers to finish the game with 23 points and 13 assists.
26 points from MVP nominee Embiid
Mikal Bridges’ 30 points for the Nets were not enough. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, previously nominated as one of the three candidates for MVP alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, had 26 points.
The 76ers, seeded number three in the east, have home advantage again in game two on Monday night.