Observations From Sixers’ Pivotal Game 6 Win vs. Hawks

After being on the wrong end of a historic comeback in game 5, the Sixers took the floor on Friday facing the brink of elimination. If they were going to keep their season alive, it was going to take a win in front of a hostile Atlanta crowd.

With the help of a bounce-back performance and an unlikely hero, the Sixers managed to get back on track. They secured a 104-99 victory in game 6 and have sent this series back to Philadelphia for one final matchup. Here are some observations from the crucial win. 

Tobias Harris returns to form 

Heading into this game, multiple players needed to step up if the Sixers were going to keep their season alive. Tobias Harris was one of those names following a subpar performance in game 5. 

Like he has done all season, Harris found a way to get himself back on track. Doc Rivers said before this game that he felt he could get Harris going offensively, and he succeeded. Harris dropped a team-high 24 points on 9-20 shooting from the floor. 

Getting Harris back on track was a necessity for the Sixers. If they are going to pull this series out, they will need the Harris we have seen all season. When he is making quick decisions and consistently getting downhill he is a tough player to stop. 

Seth Curry continues to shine 

What more can honestly be said about Seth Curry at this point? He continues to be one of the biggest bright spots for the Sixers in this postseason run. Many listed him as a potential x-factor in the playoffs, but he has shattered any and all expectations. 

 After dropping 36 points in game 5, he followed that up with 24 points in 6. Along with his big scoring outbursts, Curry has shot the ball with great efficiency. The veteran sharpshooter shot close to 60% from the floor and made six of his nine three-point attempts. 

Curry has maintained his assertiveness on the offensive end of the floor and has not hesitated to let the ball fly from deep. This aggressiveness has led to him hitting at least six threes in back-to-back games. 

Joel Embiid spoke about Curry's play after Friday's win, saying that his play has been huge for the team, and he has opened up the floor for others.

The draft day trade continues to look like a bigger steal for the Sixers with each passing game. Curry's play in this recent stretch has been nothing short of spectacular. 

Tyrese Maxey is fearless 

While the Sixers managed to pull out the win, but things did not get off to a great start. Halfway through the opening quarter, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris found themselves in foul trouble. As they were forced to the bench, Doc Rivers called on Tyrese Maxey to provide some life. 

Maxey has never shied away from an opportunity this season, and that did not change on Friday. Despite all that was hanging in the balance, Maxey looked composed and collected. 

The rookie got it done for the Sixers on both ends. He showcased his entire offensive skill set en route to scoring 16 points and took on the challenge of defending Trae Young. Doc Rivers was so impressed with Maxey's defense that he said outside of Ben Simmons, Maxey did the best job guarding Young. 

"Proper preparation prevents poor performance" is a saying that Maxey lives by, and it shows. From a random night in the regular season to an elimination game in the playoffs, Maxey has kept himself ready at all times. 

With his mindset and work ethic, the sky is truly the limit for Maxey. He continues to show why the Sixers struck a gold mine on draft night.