Now that is how you close out a series. After two miserable games from the Philadelphia 76ers, they entered Scotiabank Arena in Toronto last night looking to put the final nail in the Raptors coffin and did so in blowout fashion, winning 132-97 to advance to round two of the NBA Playoffs.

All five starters for the 76ers scored in double digits, led by Joel Embiid who finished the night with 33 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. James Harden was incredible, scoring 22 points while shooting 7-for-12 from the floor. He also added 15 assists. Tyrese Maxey bounced back playing 44 minutes, shooting 50% from the floor while scoring 25 points and adding eight assists. 

Tobias Harris continued to be the 76ers most efficient player in round one, scoring 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the floor. Harris was 3-for-8 from beyond the arc and added 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal to the final box score. 

Danny Green scored 12 points, all from three point range, ending the night 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Georges Niang and Paul Reed combined for 15 points off the bench, with Niang knocking down two three points and Reed shooting 4-of-5 from the floor. 

A close first half quickly turned into a blowout in the third quarter. The takeover started early in the second half, the Sixers went on a 17-0 run to start the quarter. We can all thank God and Joel Embiid for finally ending this series. Toronto fans proved to some of the most insufferable humans to roam planet Earth, and Embiid made the pay for it last night.

Trust The Process

Joel Embiid Revenge Game

We all remember that fateful day a few years back, and while the magnitude of this series isn’t nearly the same it sure feels good to see Embiid walk off of that floor victorious. The hostile environment appeared to drive Embiid, with his best games of the first round coming in enemy territory.

Embiid finished with arguably his most impressive postseason performances of his career. His thumb injury was nonexistent, finishing the night with 33 points and 10 rebounds on 12-of-18 shooting. Embiid literally kicked the shit out of the Raptors and had choice words for everyone in Toronto, relishing at the opportunity to let the fans, players, and head coach Nick Nurse that the series was over.

Through injuries and criticism Embiid prevailed in spite of it all. With a few days off, Embiid will be able to continue to heal and come back ready to play Monday night in Miami.

James Harden and Tyrese Maxey Takeover

Heading into last night’s game, we all knew that the 76ers desperately needed someone not named Joel Embiid to rise to the occasion. Last night, the Sixers had James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris all answer the call to arms. Harden took the court and scored 10 first quarter points, capitalized by a huge dunk which was something that we certainly weren’t expecting.

Harden’s scoring liberated the rest of the 76ers’ offense, and this was the type of performance that will take this team to the next level. Harden finished the game with 22 points and 15 assists.

James Harden Stepback

Tyrese Maxey man, inspirational

We are running out of words to describe Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers young prodigy was the catalyst to the 76ers massive second half run and his efforts in the third quarter propelled the Sixers into a massive lead that they held for the rest of the game.

Maxey ended the night with 25 points on 50% shooting and 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.

The Leadership of Tobias Harris

With elite performances last night from Embiid, Harden, and Maxey, Tobias Harris might have flown under the radar, but continues to be the most efficient 76ers player during the playoffs this year. Harris has been nothing short of fantastic on both ends of the floor.

In the first round, Harris averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds on 52/42/88 splits and last night he scored 19 points while snagging 11 rebounds and providing lockdown defense.

First Round Wrap Up

This was a rollercoaster of a series but in reality, Toronto never stood a chance. The 76ers proved they were the more talented team from start to finish, and with a performance like last night, really showed that they are contenders to win the NBA Finals.

Planes Up to Miami

Philadelphia deservedly gets some time off, and will begin their series against the Miami Heat on Monday night in South Beach. The last time these two teams met in the postseason was during the 2017-2018 season with the Sixers coming out victorious.

Mandatory Credit: 6ABC