The Philadelphia 76ers remained convinced after blowing big leads to back-to-back losses into the Atlanta Hawks and lasted to prevent self-doubt after falling behind by 12 early in Game 6.
At length, the 76ers revealed their belief in their ability, and their No. 1 seed, have been warranted.
“You watched the battle and grit of a complete bunch,” said Tobias Harris, who had 24 points.
Harris made four free throws in the last 13 seconds to defend the lead.
“Tonight I believe we showed that psychological strength and came out on top,” Ben Simmons stated.
Curry made six of nine 3s because he served as Philadelphia’s response for Young’s long tail shooting.
“It is fun. It is a good deal of fun,” Curry said. “That is a fantastic team around. … You have only got to weather the storm and return at them in the opposite end.”
Embiid replied with a basket. Free throws by Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who scored 16 points off the seat, pushed the edge to 98-93.
Danilo Gallinari’s jam with 20 seconds remaining cut the lead to 3 points but the 76ers made six free throws to close the match.
The Hawks rallied from deficits of 18 and 26 points to acquire back matches and were able to clinch the show in the home.
“That stung for us as an entire group,” Harris said of blowing big leads to just two losses. “We said there is going to be a great deal of criticism but we need to keep focused because the show is not over. … As a team we essentially only locked into that”
The Hawks eventually started powerful, leading by 12 points in the first phase and never trailing in the first half.
The 76ers started the second half with a flurry of four 3s, including three by Curry, during a 14-0 run to start the second half which gave Philadelphia a 61-51 lead. The 76ers led by 11 in 68-57, after a jumper by Embiid.
“I really don’t believe we had been tight,” said Hawks coach Nate McMillan, who said the group fought when it”only begun to take quick shots. We did not make them operate on protection ”
Atlanta cut the lead to 80-76 entering the last period.
