During Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets were leading by five points at halftime. However, the Sixers outscored the Nets by 17 points over the final two frames and went on to win by a final score of 96-84. Dorian Finney-Smith and Mikal Bridges were two Nets who underperformed in the game. Finney-Smith struggled to score with any semblance of efficiency and converted just three of his nine field-goal attempts. Bridges was underwhelming defensively, failing to live up to his reputation as an elite defender at the wing position. The Sixers shot 13-for-19 with Bridges as the primary defender, which is a scorching 68.4% clip. Thursday’s Game 3 between the Nets and Sixers is a must-win game for Brooklyn as if they lose and go down 3-0 in the series, history will not be on their side.
Never in the NBA has a team clawed all the way back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series. Of course, the series wouldn’t be officially over if the Nets lose on Saturday, as it takes four wins to advance. Brooklyn’s chances of winning would be astronomically low. If Finney-Smith can rekindle his former shooting touch over the next few games, it could help Brooklyn make this series interesting. On the other hand, Bridges needs to defend Philadelphia’s guards or wings better. The Nets need to beat the Sixers at home to put some pressure on Embiid and company.
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