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The Atlanta Hawks were determined to close out their series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a bright start in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, the Sixers had plans of their own and forced a Game 7 with a 104-99 win.
The Philadelphia 76ers managed to stay in the game despite a poor performance in the first half. Things changed at the start of the third quarter as they came back from a four-point deficit to lead the game by 10 with a 14-0 run.
The Atlanta Hawks endured another horrid shooting night as Bogdan Bogdanovic continued to struggle from downtown. Towards the end of the fourth quarter, it was reported that he would sit out the rest of the game due to right knee soreness. At the time of writing, it was unclear if he would feature in the pivotal Game 7.
Trae Young had another impressive game for the Atlanta Hawks, registering 34 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. He also put on a show for Hawks fans as he shot several deep three-pointers and one from the logo. Despite a good performance from the youngster, it was not enough to rally his team to victory.
Ahead of the crucial Game 7, we look at 5 reasons why the Philadelphia 76ers were able to escape with a win against Atlanta.
#5 Better 3-point shooting by the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers played with a lot more concentration even though they lacked urgency in the first half. The Atlanta Hawks failed to punish their lackluster approach early in the game. However, the Sixers found their groove and went on a rampage to start the third quarter.
Although the Philadelphia 76ers converted 12 of 29 three-point attempts, it was a commendable effort as they created open looks for themselves. No credit to the Atlanta Hawks defense for a woeful attempt defending the perimeter. If the Sixers were more locked-in, it would have kept pouring from downtown all game long.
#4 The Philadelphia 76ers turned the game around despite getting into early foul trouble
Early fouling was a problem for the Philadelphia 76ers early in the game, as two of their starters were sidelined as a result. Tobias Harris' picked up two personal fouls in quick succession in the first quarter. Ben Simmons also had two in the first quarter, which limited his playing minutes drastically, but the Atlanta Hawks failed to capitalize on the DPOY candidate's absence.
Harris checked back in as a man reformed, walking the line and avoiding contact while putting in an excellent defensive shift. After struggling to convert on offense early in the first half, he ended the game with 24 points and was the joint top scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers.
#3 The Atlanta Hawks lost the game at the free-throw line
The Atlanta Hawks were dominant in the paint and were able to get foul calls. However, their poor shooting from the charity stripe was the main factor in their loss. They were sent to the line 24 times in the match but only converted twelve times.
Joel Embiid, who is known to frequent the free-throw line because of his post-up plays and dominance in the paint, did not make as many trips in Game 6. Clint Capela and John Collins did a fantastic job defending the Philadelphia 76ers big man without fouling him. It is worth noting that Simmons was average from the line, making two of his four attempts.
The Philadelphia 76ers won the game at the line as they shot 69% to maintain their lead over the Atlanta Hawks. Overall, they went 16 of 23, making six crucial clutch shots.
#2 Seth Curry caught fire early
Unlike Game 5 where Seth Curry turned on the heat in the third quarter, he was off to a flying start despite nursing a left shoulder knock early in the first quarter. Although the offense did not flow through him, he knocked down shots when the opportunity presented itself.
Curry was the standout shooter as he torched the Atlanta Hawks from beyond the arc. He went 6 of 9 from 3-point range and ended the game with 24 points. Aside from Dwight Howard, who converted on his one field goal attempt, Curry led the team in field goal percentage with .571.
#1 Tyrese Maxey made the difference for the Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey was a revelation in this game as the rookie maintained perfect composure throughout. He was brought in early in the first half because of Simmons' foul trouble and put on a show against the Atlanta Hawks. If Doc Rivers is celebrating any player tonight, it has got to be Maxey.
The 20-year-old showed a high-level understanding of the game and controlled the Philadelphia 76ers' offense. If it wasn't for the defensive edge Simmons brings to the game, he would not have been missed.
As a result of his productivity, he played more minutes than the starting guard and made good use of the opportunity. He finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds and an assist.
Guess the Lakers players!
