The 76ers failed to finish the job in the fourth quarter once again, with the Hawks inspired by 22-year-old Kevin Huerter who shot a team-high 27 points.
Talented guard Trae Young had a poor night, shooting just five-from-23 from the field, going at 21.7 per cent, but he managed 10 assists.
Eastern Conference top seed Philadelphia hit the lead in the last quarter but couldn’t keep hold of it, after blowing double-digit leads in both Game 4 and Game 5.
Joel Embiid finished with a game-high 31 points as well as 11 rebounds for the 76ers, while Tobias Harris scored 24 points and had 14 rebounds.
Ben Simmons had a poor game offensively, with his confidence to shoot appearing gone, dishing off 11 assists, amid his issues from the stripe.
Simmons’ performance has fueled speculation he needs to be traded given his inability in the crunch moments which Sixers coach Doc Rivers was asked about.
“I don’t know. He struggled from the free throw line and that became a factor in the series,” Rivers said. “There’s no doubt about that. Still believe in him.
“But, we have work to do. We’re gonna have to get in the gym, put a lot of work in, and go from there.”
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns won Game 1 of their Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Clippers 120-114.
Missing Chris Paul, young guard Devin Booker stepped with a 40-point triple-double to lead the Suns past the Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard.