GRADES: Sixers knock out Nets in Brooklyn

In this Eastern Conference showdown, the Sixers had two axes to grind, hoping to avenge a pair of losses to the Nets earlier this season. Led by Joel Embiid, who has been straight fire the past few games, Brooklyn would have their hands full all night in the middle.

Early on, as in his latest performances, Embiid was cooking early. He hunted his shots and sought to draw contact against LaMarcus Aldridge. On one play in particular, Embiid showed his versatility in transition, Euro-stepping for a layup. He was fouled by Kevin Durant on the play, and Embiid did not let up. He made sure his dominance was felt any time he touched the ball.

Another Sixer who was determined to knock down baskets was Tyrese Maxey. The second-year guard was as active as any player on the floor, penetrating and sucking in the defense. However, it was his perimeter effectiveness that distinguished him tonight. Maxey shot the lights out, going 5-8 beyond the 3-point line. It was evident, that Maxey and Embiid were the one-two punch Philly needed tonight.

Another player who shot well for the Sixers was Georges Niang. He attempted six 3-pointers and nailed half of them. The overall bench play for Philly was mediocre at best though. The only other impact player from the sub rotation was Andre Drummond who provided defense and rebounding against a raw Nic Claxton and decrepit LaMarcus Aldridge.

Throughout the game, Kevin Durant and James Harden played like established superstars as expected. They made their shots and got to the line more than their teammates, yet the Nets’ bench was an inept as you can find in the league. They did slightly better than the Sixers’ bench, who tallied only 19 points.

Although Brooklyn controlled the glass with a 52-43 edge, Philadelphia committed less turnovers (8-18) and made 42 percent of their 3-pointers compared to the Nets’ subpar 26 percent.

Grades from the Sixers’ 110-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets

• Tyrese Maxey: A

33 mins | 25 pts | 7 reb | 4 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 10-18 FG | 5-8 3PT| 0-0 FT | 3 PF | +6

If there was ever any question that Tyrese Maxey could elevate his game during a big time matchup, his performance tonight put that doubt to rest. Playing opposite two certain Hall of Fame players in Durant and Harden, Maxey showed that he could play on their level. He was a stabilizing factor in this game for the Sixers. He hit big shot after big shot to help propel them early and fend off a late run by the Nets. Even though he failed to attempt a free throw, Maxey’s steady stream of 3-pointers and zero turnovers in 33 minutes made up for any foul line absences.

• Joel Embiid: A+

32 mins | 34 pts | 7 reb | 1 ast | 3 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | 11-23 FG | 3-5 3PT| 9-12 FT | 1 PF | +/- 0

The Sixers’ big man delivered. He delivered in the post. He delivered in transition. He delivered on the defensive side of the ball. He pretty much brought his A-game to every facet of his performance. Not only did he lead the team in scoring, he had three steals and feasted from the line, visiting the charity stripe a dozen times. Notable highlights include a huge block on James Harden in transition and planting one of his trolling seeds directly on Brooklyn’s court when the Sixers’ All-Star center told the Nets to go home. Classic Embiid.

• Tobias Harris: C-

37 mins | 9 pts | 6 reb | 6 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 4-14 FG | 0-1 3PT| 1-2 FT | 2 PF | +7

Tobias Harris was unable to contribute much on the scoring side of the ball in this game. He did tally six boards and six assists, but more is expected of the team’s highest paid player. Luckily, Tyrese Maxey stepped up where Harris’s production suffered an off night. Otherwise, the complaints would be a lot noisier had the Sixers lost.

• Andre Drummond: B+

16 mins | 10 pts | 10 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | 5-8 FG | 0-0 3PT| 0-1 FT | 2 PF | +8

After missing a string of games due to health and safety protocols, Drummond was back in the substitution lineup. He came off the bench to solidify the middle and grab rebounds as he has done in the past for Philly. With the exception of a wild, behind-the-back pass turnover, he contributed nicely on both ends. His multiple alley-oop dunks in the half-court set showed why this part of his game was missed the past few weeks.

• Seth Curry: B

34 mins | 17 pts | 3 reb | 6 ast | 2 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 6-13 FG | 2-6 3PT| 3-3 FT | 0 PF | +3

Seth Curry had a typical night for his standards. He was a reliable scorer when called upon. He was second in assists for Philly and was perfect from the free throw line. His biggest moment was in the final quarter when he knocked down a huge 3-pointer to extend the 76ers’ lead.

The last time these two teams met, Durant gestured to the 76ers to leave Brooklyn and go home when the game was in the Nets’ favor. This was clearly a notion that Joel Embiid did not forget. As the game appeared out of reach for the Nets, Embiid gave Durant a dose of his own bitter hospitality. Instead of the Sixers having to go home with the loss, the Nets and their stacked, star-studded team would have to sip from the bottle of defeat while Embiid celebrated, sharing a smile with his teammates.

The Philadelphia 76ers go to 19-16 on the season, keeping their win streak alive. They play their next game at home against the Houston Rockets. The game will start at 7:00 PM EST.