GRADES: Sixers beat Nets to take control of No. 1 seed

Joel Embiid outdueled Kyrie Irving and the shorthanded Brooklyn Nets as the Sixers staved off a late comeback in an otherwise commanding performance.

The first quarter began with Philadelphia’s big three jumping out to a 15-6 lead over Brooklyn before they ultimately returned the favor. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid came out aggressive as the duo combined for 19 points in the quarter with the Sixers leading entering the second quarter, 32-28.

Tobias Harris was the story in the second quarter. Harris’ ability to commandeer the second unit while Simmons and Embiid rests has been crucial to Philadelphia holding firm atop the conference. He scored 11 of his 13 second-quarter points in the first six minutes while leading a bench-laden unit.

The teams as a whole saw Philadelphia hold a lead typically lingering around double-digits before finally settling on a seven-point spread, 65-58.

Philadelphia came out firing with Embiid pouring in 16 points in the quarter. Irving helped propel Brooklyn as well scoring 10 points in the quarter, himself. Consistent with the first three quarters, Philadelphia pushed open their lead before ultimately settling into a modest margin as they led 94-84 going into the fourth quarter.

Nothing if not consistent, Philadelphia extended their lead as high as 22 points, 112-90 before Brooklyn took advantage of a seemingly coasting Philadelphia team. From there, Brooklyn embarked on a 21-2 run as Philadelphia was held to not a single field goal over the final 8:21 of the game.

Despite closing the game to a single possession, Brooklyn could never bring it closer as Philadelphia maintained their lead behind defense and free throws taking the game 123-117.

Grades from the Sixers’ win over the Nets, which gives them a two-game advantage over Brooklyn for first place in the East.

33 mins | 39 pts | 13 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 2 blk | 2 TO | 13-29 FG | 3-6 3PT| 10-11 FT | 0 PF | -1 |

Embiid’s performance through three quarters rivaled any that he has ever had. Efficient shooting, tying his career-high through three quarters on top of a double-double. Brooklyn will be a much better team come playoff time, but it doesn’t appear they have anyone who can pose a threat at hindering him without help.

34 mins | 26 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 1 stl | 2 blk | 1 TO | 11-17 FG | 2-3 3PT| 2-2 FT | 2 PF | +6 |

Harris isn’t better than Simmons. He does lead the second unit more effectively without the big fella, though. Simmons with four out is a strong concept and allows him to push, but Harris has proven his ability to be the more efficient lead man by serving as maestro within the flow of the offense. Tonight, he helped grow leads while Simmons and Embiid sat. If Philadelphia can maintain during those minutes, they ought to be just fine.

35 mins | 17 pts | 4 reb | 9 ast | 3 stl | 1 blk | 1 TO | 6-11 FG | 0-1 3PT| 5-8 FT | 4 PF | -1 |

A glance at Irving’s box score might make Simmons look like he struggled defensively. Watching the game showed a great defensive performance from Simmons and a true testament to Irving’s ability on that end. Still, Simmons grabbed three pivotal back-court steals while adding a block. He pushed the pace most of the night. It wasn’t a perfect game, and it will be interesting to see who Simmons guards when all Brooklyn’s stars are out, but a decent game nonetheless.

25 mins | 15 pts | 1 reb | 4 ast | 1 stl | 1 blk | 1 TO | 6-8 FG | 3-4 3PT| 0-0 FT | 3 PF | +5 |

When Milton is clicking, he serves as the perfect Robin to Harris’ Batman while they’re staggered together on the second unit. Milton’s bounce and scoring from all three levels are instrumental to the motion style the reserve unit typically deploys as shooters run a four-out motion.

20 mins | 2 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 2 blk | 2 TO | 1-4 FG | 0-1 3PT| 0-0 FT | 4 PF | +5 |

Like Simmons, Thybulle actually played a fairly strong defensive game that just happened to be offset by phenomenal offense. Unfortunately, Thybulle will have to be able to corral Irving more if he is going to see the floor in the playoffs.

With the win tonight, Philadelphia attains sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn plays again on Thursday versus Charlotte in a game that will likely have more of their star power available. As for Philadelphia, they will be back in primetime on Thursday as they host the Los Angeles Clippers.