CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers convened for practice on Wednesday as they continued to make adjustments during their first-round series with the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers have a 2-0 lead in this series, but the games are going to be tougher at the Barclays Center, where the Nets will be fighting for their playoff lives.
Everybody knows that going down 0-3 is essentially the end of every playoff series. The Nets do not want to give Philadelphia that type of control, and the Sixers understand that as head to Brooklyn.
“The biggest thing is they expect to feel comfortable going home,” said De’Anthony Melton. “They’re sleeping in their beds, doing their stuff so they’re gonna be in front of their crowd. We expect them to have a sense of comfort, but at the same time, we got to come in there and make it uncomfortable for them. Make it tough and be physical and just play our game.”
Most are calling this series over. The Sixers are the more talented and experienced team and it would make sense for most to assume that this is over, but Philadelphia is trying to stay focused. They want to just focus on the Nets.
“I don’t think you can really look ahead right now,” Tyrese Maxey said. “The next game up is the most important one. So, hopefully, we’re going to go into Brooklyn and try to take care of that one. The main goal is to win four games and you always hope you can win them as quick as possible, but to get it done and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The Nets will be playing with a high sense of urgency. They need to avoid that dreaded 0-3 hole, but the Sixers need to keep their focus. It would be wise not to give this Nets team additional life.
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