Written By The Brooklyn Nets evened up their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a convincing 123-109 victory in Game 4, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance from James Harden.
Harden, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of the previous two games, looked to be in top form, scoring 34 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing four rebounds. He was also instrumental in leading the Nets’ defense, recording three steals and two blocks.
The Nets got off to a hot start, with Harden scoring 10 points in the first quarter to give his team an early lead. The 76ers kept it close in the second quarter, but the Nets pulled away in the third, outscoring the 76ers 34-24 to take a 16-point lead into the final frame.
The 76ers made a late push, but the Nets held on for the victory, tying the series at two games apiece.
Harden’s performance was especially impressive given that he had missed significant time due to his injury. His ability to step up in a crucial playoff game speaks to his talent and leadership on the court.
But Harden was not the only Nets player to have a standout performance. Kevin Durant scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving had 16 points and six assists. Blake Griffin also chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.
On the other side, the 76ers struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Joel Embiid, who had been dominant in the first three games of the series, had a relatively quiet night, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Tobias Harris led the team in scoring with 21 points, while Ben Simmons had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The 76ers will need to regroup and find ways to get their offense going again if they hope to win Game 5 and take control of the series. They will also need to find a way to contain Harden, who proved to be too much for them to handle in Game 4.
For the Nets, the win was a much-needed boost after two disappointing losses in Philadelphia. With the series now tied, they will look to take the lead in Game 5 and keep their championship hopes alive.
Overall, Game 4 was a showcase of the Nets’ star power and depth, and a reminder of why they are considered one of the favorites to win the NBA championship this season.
