The Philadelphia 76ers returned home after a difficult night Sunday in the Wells Fargo Center, where they fell on their way to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They missed star big man Joel Embiid in the match and they welcomed him back into the series.
Embiid had a great night for 29 points and 16 rebounds as he threw the Sixers on his back when they needed him most in a 100-93 win over the Toronto Raptors. Tobias Harris had one of his better games in a Sixers uniform with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Seth Curry 17 and Ben Simmons 11, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
With that said, here are the three observations:
Start slowly
The Sixers continue with this slow start, which is a bit surprising considering the talent they have around Simmons and Embiid. The team found themselves 41-28, before finally kicking it in high gear and leveling at 48 before sloppier play allowed Toronto to run 8-0 in a 45.1-second run to to end half. They left themselves with double figures again in the third quarter before Embiid got them back into it.
Again, it can be pointed out that they did not play much together and that they are a brand new team with a brand new system. In the end, it will not be a valid excuse. They will have to work it all out on the floor with this starting unit. Or they will move forward with this group, otherwise Rivers will have to make a change to give them a break.
Embiid handling of double teams
The positive that can be taken from this match is how Embiid handled double teams. He was sharp with his passing, he made the right decision to die out, and he was powerful when the time required it. It is unfortunate that the Sixers missed so much open appearance in this or that that work will appear in the final result.
The reason it was impressive is due to the fact that it’s Toronto. Of course, Marc Gasol is now gone, but Aron Baynes has also frustrated a history of Embiid and Nick Nurse is still coaching this team. It is important that he broke through against this particular team.
Hesitation at the offense
The Sixers brought in Curry to shoot the ball and provide space for their two stars. He only does this by being out there, but he will do it much better if he will ignite the open look given to him. This then seems to have an effect on everyone, as the Sixers in this one let the overt look pass. The reluctance to open a can probably indicates that they still deserve what Doc Rivers wants from them on the floor.
On the other hand, Curry is a career-high 44.3% of deep. He’s the one man who can not hesitate when he catches the ball. Give him credit, he scored a big triple late in the game, but there should never be any hesitation. He has to put the ball up every time he catches it. That’s why the Sixers brought him here. He needs to space the floor for the two stars so he has to focus on the part of his game.