When the Bench Balls Out, the 76ers Have No Weaknesses

This NBA Semifinals series went back to Atlanta at one game a piece, and the Sixers came up big on the road, winning Game 3 with an all-around team performance. Joel Embiid took some hits, but kept getting back up and went on to lead his squad with 27 points. Philadelphia’s bench scored 30 points in the first half, which is their most in a playoff game over the last 25 years. Atlanta’s subs really only had solid production from Danilo Gallinari, who had 17 but missed all of his three point attempts (0-4).

INTERESTING FACTS

76ers bench had more 1st half PTS (30) in Game 3 than Games 1 and 2 combined (5)
Philly’s 1st half bench PTS (30) was the most over their last 25 postseasons
76ers are the 5th team to score at least 120 PTS in 6 of their first 8 GP of a postseason in NBA history

Odds vs. ATL: PHI -130 (Spread -2.0)
PHI Stock Price: $11.26 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

WHEN THE BENCH BALLS OUT, THE 76ERS HAVE NO WEAKNESSES

COLORS KEY | FULL 76ERS OUTLOOK

One of the few weak points of this great Philadelphia squad has been their bench production. In Games 1 and 2 combined, the Sixers only got five first half points from the subs, but they turned it around with 30 in Game 3. Dwight Howard had 12 points in G3, including six boards in just 13 minutes of game time while Furkan Korkmaz added 14 points and made three trey balls. This is a great sign for Philly as their biggest weakness showed the potential to turn into a strength which could power Philly to the Championship this year.