Philadelphia 76ers need to embrace physicality, size on the road

The Philadelphia 76ers need to continue pounding the Brooklyn Nets inside.

With Game 1 raising serious concerns, the Philadelphia 76ers were determined to get a victory in Game 2. After playing a close game through one half, the Sixers exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Nets 51-23 and cruising to victory.

It was one of the Sixers’ most balanced offensive games since acquiring Tobias Harris, with each starter attempting 12 or fewer shot attempts. Boban Marjanovic led the team with 14 shots, highlighting the free-flowing, unselfish nature that prevailed all game.

The Sixers also stepped up on defense, as Ben Simmons smothered D’Angelo Russell and Joel Embiid effectively deterred shots at the rim. Jimmy Butler was more active on defense as well, continuing to up his intensity.

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Now the momentum resides in Philadelphia, a team with more talent and a clear path toward victory in the series. Facing Brooklyn on the road is a challenge, but the Sixers — assuming the proper mentality is maintained — have reestablished themselves a favorites.

Brett Brown made schematic changes that adjusted to Brooklyn’s strengths, forcing Russell out of rhythm and cutting off Joe Harris on the perimeter. The bench rotation, now infused with James Ennis and devoid of the T.J. McConnell–Jonathon Simmons duo, is also better tailored for success.

Perhaps the biggest change between Game 1 and Game 2, however, was the Sixers’ physicality. They bullied the Nets at every opportunity, aggressively attacking the rim and imposing their will on both ends.

Ben Simmons set the tone early, pushing in transition and getting to the rack — an uncommon occurrence in Game 1. If the Sixers want to compete for a title, Simmons needs to perform up to par. Even with questionable free throw shooting, he’s at his best when exploiting mismatches in the post and seeking out contact.

Embiid made similar adjustments, avoiding the three-point line and making a point to attack Brooklyn’s bigs in isolation. Whether it was posting up or off the dribble, Embiid constantly leaned on his impressive paint repertoire, which inevitably led to foul trouble for the Nets. He scored 23 points in 20 minutes.

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While Embiid doesn’t need to avoid the three-point line entirely, there’s reason to believe he’s better off limiting his attempts. At 7-foot-2, he’s bigger and stronger than most defenders who oppose him. As long as he avoids turnovers, his ability to exploit those advantages down low represent his most valuable offensive attributes.

The Sixers in general are one of the biggest, most physical teams in the league. Embiid, Simmons, Butler and Harris are all listed at 6-foot-8+. That allows them to create mismatches other teams can’t necessarily prevent — mismatches they need to hunt, embrace and exploit.

Brooklyn thrives on dynamic guard play, but lacks versatile defenders. That’s especially true at the center position, as neither Jarrett Allen nor Ed Davis can defend in space for extended stretches. The only alternatives are Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jared Dudley, who are undersized for the center position.

The Sixers have the tools to overpower the Nets on brute force alone. As long as Embiid and Simmons are in attack mode and the defense remains engaged and in harmony, it’s difficult to formulate a path to four wins for Brooklyn. Philadelphia’s just too big and too talented.

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Game 2 was a return to form for the Sixers, showing the potential that comes with the NBA’s second-best starting five. It needs to carry over to Game 3 on Thursday.