The Philadelphia 76ers win Game 2 of Sixers vs Hawks and even the series 118-102. Philly beat the Hawks on Tuesday night, and it’s all thanks to reserve guard Shake Milton, who was the difference-maker in the contest.

Milton played a huge role in Game 2 of Sixers vs Hawks

Doc Rivers made the right decision when he gave more minutes to Shake Milton during Game 2 of Sixers vs Hawks. Milton played for 14 minutes in the second half, and the 76ers were able to outscore Atlanta by 15 points. The reserve guard’s minutes were the turning point in the game. 

In just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter, he immediately drilled a 3-pointer that gave the Sixers a two-point lead. This lead was never relinquished in the contest. Then, in the third-quarter buzzer, Milton drilled a 35-footer that extended Philly’s lead from four to seven. This shot gave his team some significant momentum for the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter of the Sixers vs Hawks game, his solid performance continued. He did an alley-oop with Dwight Howard and then hit a pull-up jumper, which eventually propelled the 76ers’ lead to double digits.

The Sixers avoid falling into a 2-0 hole

Despite playing with a cartilage tear in his right knee, Joel Embiid carried Philadelphia early not long after he was notified that he was a runner-up in the NBA MVP voting. He posted a playoff career-high 40 points and 13 rebounds. Tobias Harris and Seth Curry added 22 points and 21 points, respectively. This trio steadied the top-seeded Sixers, and Milton was the key changer they needed. 

For the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young scored 21 points. Danilo Gallinari added 21 points, while Kevin Huerter scored 20 points. 

Just like in Game 1 of Sixers vs Hawks, the Philadelphia reserves could not keep the game competitive. All five of their bench players that were used in the first half were minus in plus-minus. However, this all changed when Milton checked into the game. The Sixers were also ready for Young. They strengthened their defense against the star player with the help of Ben Simmons, an NBA defensive player of the year finalist.  

See game highlights below.

Game 3 of Sixers vs Hawks will be on Friday, June 11, at 7:30 PM ET in Atlanta.

—(Source: ESPN)

---

Also Read: Nets Lead Series 2-0, the Bucks are in trouble