The Sixer Sense Podcast returns following the Philadelphia 76ers’ first-round playoff SWEEP of the Brooklyn Nets. This is the Sixers’ first playoff series sweep since 1991 and was even more impressive considering they won Game 4 in the absence of the presumptive MVP, Joel Embiid. The Sixers did not play mistake-free basketball in the four games this series and almost lost Game 3 which saw some physical play by the Nets that resulted in flagrant fouls by both Embiid and James Harden, the latter of who was ejected. In the end, though, a win is a win and the Sixers are advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the 5th time in the last six years.
Lucas Johnson and Jonathan Geib discuss what adjustments the Sixers might need to make in a potential second-round matchup with either the Boston Celtics or the Atlanta Hawks. What were the good and bad game plans we saw against the Nets and how should the Sixers correct these going forward? The duo also discusses the impact of Embiid’s injury and the potential he could miss Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals. How bad is the knee sprain?
We turn the conversation to the other playoff series being played in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. In the East, the Miami Heat have taken a surprising 2-1 series lead over the 1-seed Milwaukee Bucks as Giannis has been sidelined with injury for the last two games. Does the Heat have a realistic chance of sending the Bucks home early? And in the Big Apple, Jalen Brunson has led the New York Knicks to a 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks’ defense has been incredible having held the Cavaliers under 100 points in three of four games and in one game the Cavs scored a league-low 79 total points. Are the Knicks a legitimate title threat?
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have 3-1 leads over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers, respectively. The Clippers have unfortunately been without Paul George the whole series and Kawhi Leonard for two of the games. These series seem all but wrapped up. The Kings and Warriors are in an electrifying shootout of a series where both teams have shown they are title contenders. And lastly, in Los Angeles, the Hollywood movie of LeBron James versus Dillon Brooks is being written right now. Will it play out like all movie scripts with the King conquering the villain? Stay tuned and give the podcast a listen to hear the guys’ thoughts.
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