Sixers Can’t Complete the Sweep
by Matt Minarik
Sweeping the Raptors in round one was not meant to be. Why would it? The Sixers would have a week off to rest and recuperate. Joel Embiid would have extra time to take care of his injured thumb. Their second-round opponent, either the Heat or Hawks would be playing at least five games to the Sixers would be four, and lastly, we wouldn’t have to look a Nick Nurse whining and complaining until next season. The Sixers will just have to handle business back home in game 5 in front of the raucous and hungry Philly fans. Have fun with that Raptors.
The Sixers couldn’t get their footing all game. Tobias was the only player that came out shooting well scoring a quick five points and grabbing three boards. Other than that, it took everyone else much of the first half to get going. Joel Embiid didn’t hit his first basket until midway through the second quarter. What stood out the most in the first half was second chance points. The Raptors outscored the Sixers 12-0 in that category. The Sixers were giving them too many opportunities and it showed. Anytime the Sixers got close, the Raptors countered.
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a call in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
The second half was much of the same but with less fouls called in the Sixers favor. There were many times an obvious foul was missed on the Sixers end and something small was called on the Raptors end. I understand it’s the playoffs and players are allowed to play more physical, but it has to be consistent across the board. It’s frustrating but you still have to find a way to overcome it. In Game 3 they did but in Game 4 things didn’t work out the same. The Sixers will just have to take their frustrations out on a banged-up Raptors team on Monday.
PLAYER STATS:
James Harden – 22 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal
Joel Embiid – 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Tobias Harris – 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Tyrese Maxey – 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal
TEAM STATS:
FG – PHI 34-80 (42.5 %), TOR 37-88 (42.0 %)
3PT – PHI 13-31 (41.9 %), TOR 8-34 (23.5 %)
Fast Break Points – PHI (10), TOR (21)
Points In The Paint – PHI (38), TOR (42)
REB – PHI (41), TOR (46)
O-REB – PHI (6), TOR (13)
D-REB – PHI (35), TOR (33)
