Philadelphia 76ers defeat Brooklyn Nets as Embiid block made it a perfect victory.
Joel Embiid blocked a potential tying basket with 8.8 seconds left as the 76ers beat Brooklyn 102-97 to take a 3-0 lead in the first-round series.
Tyrese Maxey made the tiebreaking three-pointer with 44 seconds left for the 76ers, who can sweep their way into the second round with a victory on Saturday in Brooklyn.
With James Harden having been ejected in the third quarter for another groin shot and Embiid not looking like his usual dominant self, Maxey took over the offense and scored eight straight points, turning a five-point deficit into a 99-96 lead on his three-pointer.
“Tonight, when our ball-handler, our leader went out, take that role in the fourth quarter and help us get into our stuff, help us win the game,” Maxey said.
Spencer Dinwiddie made one free throw, then appeared to have a path to the basket for a tying layup before Embiid rose up and swatted it. PJ Tucker made a free throw to make it 100-97, and the Nets turned it over on their next possession.
Maxey scored 25 points and Harden had 21 for the 76ers. Embiid shot just 5 for 13 but had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Mikal Bridges scored 26 points and Dinwiddie had 20 for the Nets, who have lost nine straight playoff games and are on the verge of being swept for the second straight year.
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