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

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: The Philadelphia 76ers react during a game against the Brooklyn Nets during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Bench guys step up

After Philly’s bench registered just 26 points in Game 1, the eight guys off the pine managed to step up in a big way Game 2, registering 62. Admittedly, a good amount of those came in garbage time, but the difference is big enough to suggest an improved level of play in meaningful minutes.

Boban Marjanovic was phenomenal, spelling the slightly hobbled Joel Embiid and finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of action. There’s no telling how Embiid’s knee will hold up moving forward, but it’s nice to know Boban can be a reliable backup even in limited minutes.

Mike Scott was the other big surprise for the Sixers. He converted on three of his five looks from downtown on his way to 15 points. Both he and Marjanovic managed to outdo Philly’s entire bench from Game 1, an effort that was surely appreciated despite the immense talent present in the Sixers’ starting five.

In acquiring Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, Philly took on the challenge of retooling its bench on the fly. Depth becomes less of a concern in the playoffs, but it’s still important to have players capable of giving the starters a rest.

These types of performances usually vary from game to game when it comes to guys off the pine. If the Sixers’ second unit can at least somewhat replicate this high level of play, it will ease the already massive burden the starters face on a nightly basis.