76ers unable to pull of sweep, fall to Raptors 110-102
The Philadelphia 76ers could not pull off the sweep yesterday afternoon, falling to the Toronto Raptors 110-102.
Everything went wrong for the Sixers, but they still managed to hold on until the closing minutes. A win yesterday would’ve been huge for the 76ers, allowing them a few more days of rest, but now they return home to hopefully close out the series in five games.
Joel Embiid
So far, things aren’t looking great for Embiid, and it’s doubtful this injury will go away anytime soon. Embiid finished with 21 points and shot 7/16, but he was clearly off his game. Alongside his scoring efforts, Joel pulled in just eight rebounds while turning the ball over five times.
Embiid was clearly holding his hand in pain following every shot or defensive possession and was nowhere near his usual self. The whistles were clearly favoring Toronto, with Joel getting almost no help in the fourth quarter despite being mauled in the post.
Maybe things will be better with a few more days off, but Embiid will once again have to fight through an injury in the playoffs.
Referees
The calls yesterday were absolutely egregious, with the Raptors getting every single call while the 76ers were never given the benefit of the doubt. Toronto had 35 shots at the line compared to the Sixers’ 25.
James Harden and Embiid were consistently fouled hard with no calls, while Pascal Siakam somehow had 15 free throws. It’s only one game, and Philly is still in firm control, but it was frustrating something out of the 76ers’ hands forced them to extend the series.
The good news is despite the Sixers playing like dogshit with everything going against them. This was only a one-possession game until the final minutes. Turnovers weren’t as bad, but the rebounding tonight was sub-par, and the defense needs to be cleaned up.
Up Next
Philadelphia will get some much-needed rest tomorrow before returning home to face the Raptors for Game Five. Tip-off is not yet determined but should be known within the next day.
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
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