By Connor Thomas

Even though the final score only showed a 4 point difference between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, it was a game to forget for Doc Rivers and the East’s #1 overall seed. There were things that went right in the 2nd half for the Sixers, but here are 5 things the Sixers need to change in order to have success against Atlanta tonight in Game 2:

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• 2.) Defensive Matchups

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  If you watched even a minute of Game 1, you saw a perfect example of how NOT to guard Trae Young. Danny Green was simply not fast enough to keep Young out of the lane, which led to a defensive collapse that gave up lobs and open 3 pointers alike. The root of the problem is that Green simply was not the right matchup for Young, and Ben Simmons/Matisse Thybulle should split that assignment tonight. You have 2 of the best perimeter defenders in the game; use them on Atlanta’s premier guard.

• 3.) Limiting Turnovers

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  The Sixers had 9 1st Quarter turnovers in Game 1, an unacceptable number for a single quarter at any point in the season, much less in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Part of that was a bench issue that can be fixed by proper rotations, but the Sixers starters also have to be more in control of the ball from the opening tip. The Sixers are much less turnover-prone when they are able to get out in transition and run before the defense gets set, so this will improve if the team defense improves in Game 2.
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• 5.) Having A Less Awesome Bell Ringing Ceremony

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  Honestly, it all had to be downhill from the pregame bell ringing on Sunday. Joel Embiid and wrestling legend Triple H coming out wearing matching DX themed Sixers t-shirts and ringing the bell ahead of Game 1 was almost too awesome. Anything that followed had to be a disappointment. You never send out the headliner as the opening act, any good show knows that. Yet the Sixers lead with their best moment before the opening tip even took place. Maybe tonight have a more low key bell ringing; maybe Tony Wroten is available or something. Then, the game can actually outperform the opening ceremony.

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