The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 121-101, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.

The game got out to a competitive start but the Sixers pulled ahead late in the first quarter and took a five-point lead into the second. The pace picked up in the second quarter, but the hosts outscored the Nets, 37-34, to take a nine-point lead into the break. The Nets did not have a solution in the third, as the Sixers held the upper hand and carried a 12-point cushion into the final frame. The 76ers made no mistakes down the stretch and confidently closed out the home win to take a, 1-0, series lead.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. James Harden followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris added 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block. The Sixers shot 47.2 percent from the field, including 21-of-43 from deep.

Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 30 points, five rebounds and a block, in 34 minutes. Cameron Johnson followed up with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Nets shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 13-of-29 from long range.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday in Philadelphia.