Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. 76ers

2. Brooklyn has to wear Joel Embiid out

In the second quarter, it was evident that second-year center Jarrett Allen was getting under the skin of All-NBA center Joel Embiid. There were multiple instances of Embiid getting physical to push Allen out of the play. When he didn’t like it, he eventually retaliated. His elbow, at full and half-speed, looked vicious, though there is obviously no way to tell for sure if it was intentional. One thing that was learned was Embiid’s conditioning is not up to par, and he was getting tired.

The Process played the fewest minutes of the Philadelphia starters at 21, but he didn’t really get rolling until the third quarter when the Nets couldn’t help but foul him every other time down the floor. Even during the team’s Game 1 loss, Embiid played just 24 minutes. He is the 76ers’ best player when he’s on the floor, but if he’s too tired to battle under the boards, he’s not going to be out there.

The Sixers’ best lineup features Embiid, Redick, Harris, Butler and Ben Simmons. All five are guys that can carry the team on any given night. However, it all starts with Embiid down low. They were a +26 with him on the floor in Game 2. If the Nets can limit his effectiveness and wear him out, they can have a better shot at repeating their upset performance from Game 1.