The Philadelphia 76ers let a 16-point lead slip away in yesterday’s Game 4 win against the Boston Celtics in South Philadelphia before James Harden saved them with a game-tying floater at the end of regulation and a go-ahead three in overtime. 

After the Sixers were outscored 24-15 in the fourth quarter, of the most pivotal plays in overtime for the Celtics happened when Jayson Tatum hit a tough 3-pointer with 38.1 seconds left in on the clock to give Boston a 115-113 lead. 

At that point, the entire city of Philadelphia let out a collective moan as they thought yet again, the Sixers were going to fall behind 3-1 to the Celtics in the series and be on their way to another second round exit in the playoffs. That was until James Harden saved the day with a corner three with only 19 seconds left on the clock to lift the Sixers to a 116-115 win. 

James Harden Go-Ahead Three in Overtime

Originally tweeted by The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) on May 7, 2023.

After the game, Doc Rivers spoke with the media and called out the officials for the call they made on the Tatum three.

Doc Rivers on Tatum Push-Off

“Jayson Tatum’s 3 was awful that that wasn’t called,” said Rivers. “Awful. It was a push-off and the reason it bugged me is because at the end of the game, there are these touch fouls. Jayson Tatum had a 360 foul. Marcus Smart and Tuck (PJ Tucker) get tangled up. Touch foul. So if we’re gonna call it that way, then you have to call it.” via SixersWire

The play itself was a clear push-off by Tatum as Maxey was defending him along the perimeter and would have buried the Sixers if it wasn’t for Harden’s corner three to give the Sixers the lead.

Jayson Tatum Push-Off Tyrese Maxey for 3

Doc Rivers Postgame on the Tatum call

Honestly, he shouldn’t be. There were several questionable calls at big moments of the game yesterday that could have ended the Sixers season. The Tatum non-call was the most egregious, but there was also the Embiid charging call and then the foul call on Embiid with Jaylen Brown driving to the basket. 

While Rivers will likely get hit with a fine for criticizing officials, he had every right to be pissed and honestly, I love the anger he took to the podium. Typically Doc Rivers is somewhat of an asshole when speaking to the media and doesn’t really get emotional or dive too deep into pretty much any question. 

Not yesterday. 

Game 5 tomorrow night in Boston.

Join The Chase