The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 96-84, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.

The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 25, after one quarter. The Nets came out strong in the second and limited the Sixers to just 19 points, while they rallied to a five-point edge by halftime. The 76ers got back on track in the third and locked down defensively to outscore the visitors, 24-14, and claim a five-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and held on to claim a 2-0 series lead.

Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers with 33 points, three rebounds and a block, in 40 minutes. Joel Embiid totaled 20 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and a steal, while Tobias Harris finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.

Meanwhile, Cameron Johnson led the Nets with 28 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 12 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Nets shot 37.5 percent from the field, including 13-of-42 from deep.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday in Brooklyn.