76ers collapse in final minutes, drop home opener to Nets 114-109

The 76ers should not have lost this game. Leading for the entire game, Philadelphia choked drastically in the closing minutes and lost their home opener to the Brooklyn Nets, 114-109. The Sixers played fantastic through the first three quarters, but Doc Rivers has several head-scratching decisions late this cost this game.

Danny Green clearly got a charge while up two with a minute to go. Rivers had to challenge due to the NBA’s rule change if he wanted it reviewed. Everyone watching the game felt it was a charge and not a blocking foul. However, Rivers decided not to challenge and let the Nets take over the game from the 76ers.

With the Sixers up 2 late, Doc Rivers didn't want to challenge this Kevin Durant-Danny Green play.

Block or charge?https://t.co/OMAPpqUzor

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 23, 2021

Brooklyn finished the game on a 16-1 run, and it’s hard to argue that Rivers wasn’t the main reason for that. It wasn’t entirely his fault though, Danny Green air-balled several open three-pointers and wasted numerous offensive possessions. Green finished the night with six points on 2/6 shooting.

1 point in the final 5:32 on an intentional foul.

76ers basketball is back. #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/wwFC06wafo

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) October 23, 2021

Joel Embiid was not himself with this knee injury, and it’s becoming a concern for this team so early on. Embiid shot just 33% from the field and missed several shots in the closing minutes when he had the most significant mismatch in the post. Hopefully, all is alright, but the Sixers need to keep the long-view in mind and give Embiid a few days off if needed.

Both Tobias Harris and Seth Curry tied for the most points tonight, with 23 shooting a combined 19/32 from the field. Harris has been continuously efficient on offense and has been holding down the second-star spot well for the 76ers while Ben Simmons is out.

Position: Point Center 😅 @AndreDrummond pic.twitter.com/67iaWEiWkM

— ESPN (@espn) October 23, 2021

The Andre Drummond show was out in full force, throwing flashy behind-the-back passes while pulling in ten rebounds in just 18 minutes. Furkan Korkmaz had another excellent performance off the bench scoring ten points, leading the group.

For Brooklyn, Kevin Durant had his first triple-double of the season with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge caught fire off the bench with 23 points. Aldridge helped close out the win for Brooklyn with a huge and-one to take their first lead of the night.

The 76ers now travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Sunday night. OKC is still rebuilding, so it will be an excellent opportunity to get Embiid some rest if needed and get some of the rotation guys some more minutes in a competitive setting.

Mandatory Credit: Bucks County Courirer Times