By Eurohoops team / info@Eurohoops.net
Tobias Harris scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 96 – 88 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series to advance with a sweep. Despite the absence of MVP favorite Joel Embiid (knee), the Sixers managed to get their first playoff sweep since 1991 and also became the first team to go 8-0 vs. the Nets in a single season.
James Harden finished with 17 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds to help the Sixers despite a rough shooting night of 4-18 from the field. Tyrese Maxey had 16 points and eight rebounds while De’Anthony Melton scored 15.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 20 points plus six assists. Nic Claxton had 19 points plus 12 rebounds and Mikal Bridges notched 17 points and five boards for Brooklyn that made a decisive 19 – 4 run in the fourth period to get the win.
The Nets were the ones to get their offense rolling early and take a 29 – 22 lead in the first period. They closed halftime up 40 – 48 but the Sixers came out of the locker room a different team to impose their rule in the third quarter to take the reins 66 – 63.
The two sides remained close. With the Nets up 70 – 72, Philadelphia scored eight unanswered points and then increased their lead to to 89 – 74 with 2:36 to play. Harris delivered the dagger for the 92 – 78 with a triple.