The Atlanta Hawks took on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of a best of seven series Tuesday evening, looking for a 2-0 series lead before the teams head to Atlanta for Game 3. The Sixers took control of this one in the final period after threatening to run away with the game multiple times earlier in the game, and ultimately took home the 118-102 win.
Joel Embiid was back in the fold again for Game 2, while De’Andre Hunter missed his second consecutive game for the Hawks. The Sixers got off to a blazing start, leading 23-6 just a few minutes into play. The home team had 24 points in the paint in the opening quarter, and Atlanta was fortunate to only be down by 13 after the first 12 minutes.
An impressive stretch for Danilo Gallinari, and steadying play from Kevin Huerter kept the Hawks in the game in the first half.
Gallo is going to work.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 9, 2021
12 points and counting.... pic.twitter.com/0kPcfuH0pk
Tobias Harris came out of the gates on fire, scoring 16 first-quarter points for Philadelphia.
The Hawks would match the Sixers’ first quarter with a spectacular second quarter, outscoring the hosts 35 to 24 in the period behind more stellar play from Huerter and Gallinari, who each had 15 first-half points. Atlanta trailed by just two points at the half after trailing by as many as 18 in the first quarter. Trae Young had 11 points and six assists in what was a relatively quiet half by his standards.
Gallo & Kev combine for 30 PTS off the bench at the break
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 9, 2021
Presented by @Verizon pic.twitter.com/5SJE7OE6fH
The Hawks did not waver in the third quarter, taking blows from Philadelphia and firing right back. They took their first lead of the game with 2:41 left in the third. However, the Sixers would close the period on a 12-4 run, and lead 91-84 heading to the fourth.
The final period was not so friendly to the visitors. Philadelphia began the quarter on a 16-5 run, and took a commanding 107-89 lead into the final eight minutes after an explosion off the bench from Shake Milton. Milton had 14 points, all in the second half.
From there, the Hawks were unable to close the margin, and Philadelphia took home the 118-102 win.
Huerter finished with 20 points (8-for-10 from the floor) in the loss, with Young adding 21 points and 11 assists (1-of-7 from 3PT). Gallinari had 21 points and nine rebounds.
Embiid scored a game high 40 points to go along with 13 rebounds in the win. Harris had 22 points and six rebounds, with Seth Curry adding 21 points on 5-of-6 from 3PT range.
The Hawks and Sixers will be back in action Friday evening from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Stay tuned.