NEW YORK — The Philadelphia 76ers were locked in a tight battle with the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4 of their first-round series on Saturday afternoon. The Nets were fighting for their playoff lives and the Sixers were missing both Joel Embiid and any offensive rhythm.
Their starting backcourt of James Harden and Tyrese Maxey had a tough time knocking down shots and they needed somebody from the perimeter to knock down some looks.
Cue De’Anthony Melton in the fourth quarter. He scored all 15 of his points in the final frame. He shot 5-for-7 from the floor and 3-for-4 from deep to help the Sixers win, 96-88, and eliminate the Nets.
“I just got to do something,” laughed Melton. “I told Jalen (McDaniels) even going into the fourth quarter, no matter what, we got to stay solid. We got to get out our heads and just play our game. I was really just focused on the defensive and just trying to get as many stops, but the ball started falling, too.”
Getting out of his head was a big help for Melton. He was 0-for-4 from the floor, 0-for-2 from deep, and scoreless through three quarters. His efforts helped Philadelphia outscore Brooklyn, 56-40, after halftime and put the Nets away.
Now, Melton and the Sixers will get some time off and begin preparation for either the Boston Celtics or the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics lead that series 2-1.
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