2021 NBA Playoffs: Benches battle in Hawks, 76ers matchup

In Game 2 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks’ second round matchup, the stars did not disappoint.

Sixers star Joel Embiid poured in 40 points and 13 rebounds and Hawks leading man Trae Young tallied 21 points and 11 assists.

But it was really the benches that impacted the game. Both delivered clutch and timely performances that enlivened the matchup.

The Sixers bench, however, led the team to a 118-102 victory over the Hawks to tie the series 1-1.

Philadelphia’s role players didn’t score in the first half. The Hawks outscored the 76ers 35-24 in the second quarter and made a 25-22 run in the third to take a one-point lead.

The Hawks bench – led by Danilo Gallinari (21 points) and Kevin Huerter (20 points) – combined for 49 points and scorched the 76ers the first three quarters. The 76ers gave up a 21-point lead.

Shake Milton and the 76ers bench finally woke up late in the third quarter. Milton hit two big threes to end the period, including a buzzer-beater to put the 76ers up seven points.

Milton continued his hot streak, scoring 8 points in the fourth. Role players George Hill, Matisse Thybulle delivered timely defensive plays and Dwight Howard snagged big rebounds for the 76ers.

“Our guys did a phenomenal job defensively first, and then we picked the right guys,” Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said. “Bringing Shake in was huge for us.”

The Philadelphia bench went on 18-5 run to start the fourth quarter to build a 20-point lead – a deficit the Hawks couldn’t overcome.

The series shifts to Atlanta on Friday for Games 3 and 4.  Young said the Hawks struggled in Game 2 but will be alright heading home.

Embiid is also excited for the trip down south.

“..You’ve got the opposite fans talking trash – booing,” Embiid said. “I feed off of it. I like to shut them up.”