5 Reasons why Philadelphia 76ers won 104-99 against Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals | 2021 NBA Playoffs

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers vies with John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers vies with John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks

#3 The Atlanta Hawks lost the game at the free-throw line

Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks went down in Game Six
Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks went down in Game Six

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

Seth Curry #31 and Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers
Seth Curry #31 and Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers

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 #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers over Kevin Huerter of the Atlanta Hawks
Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers over Kevin Huerter of the Atlanta Hawks

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.

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