The Raptors and the 76ers, ahead of the start of the game, were very controversial about the direction of the series.
Although the Raptors have no stars this season, they are young, full of athletic ability, coupled with high tactical execution and tough confrontation, encountering the 76ers who love to fight position battles, it is not without a battle.
The advantage of the 76ers' side is their star combination. Harden and Embiid are both regulars in the playoffs, and the playoffs are the stage for superstars, and civilian teams must start from the defensive "stars" to win.
That's how the Raptors defended in their first game.
Fully defend Hahn from blocking and blocking the role players' ability to punish
After the opening, the Raptors directly put on the "ten successful powers" in the care of Embiid.
After Embiid blocked the demolition, the Raptors went directly to the inside line 3-4 to "close" the defense, determined not to give easy 1-on-1 scoring opportunities. The side effect of this tactic is also obvious, that is, they will let go of the role players on the outside, especially the three-point opportunities in the bottom corners of the two sides.
Consciously letting go of role players taught them a profound lesson: In terms of three-pointers, Maxi shot 5-of-8, Harris shot 3-of-5, and Niang 3-of-2, and with the exception of Tielin, who lost all 5, the 76ers pitchers seized the opportunity steadily.
Putting a shot to prevent a breakthrough, Harden played happy basketball
Harden experienced a period of cold hand and goal scoring in the 76ers. From the post-game point of view, the Raptors obviously have studied this experience, and did not adopt the "high-level pinch attack, forcing the ball" tactic implemented by some teams, but did the opposite, to a certain extent, to put Harden's retreat shot.
This strategy can be regarded as handing over a "half-pair" answer sheet. Gave Harden more flexibility. Although Harden's breakthrough still did not play a peak effect, but with the overall strength of the 76ers, and Maxi's divine stroke, Harden's game near the three-point line should be relaxed and happy. Four three-pointers and 14 assists easily broke the Raptors' defense.
Wanting to block one head but losing sight of the other, the Raptors ushered in a "big adjustment"
For this series, it can be seen that the Raptors have done research. But the 20-point difference in the first game can also be seen that the Raptors' strategy in this game is quite a failure. Between the stars and the role players, the Raptors made a "hot" choice, the result is that the stars played their due colors, and the role players did not idle, ushering in a big outbreak, resulting in the Raptors being beaten at both ends.
The core advantage of the Raptors game is still that they are young and energetic, can play a smooth offensive and defensive conversion, and take the rhythm in their own hands, and the game can win half of the game.
As a result, the 76ers shot too accurately, resulting in the Raptors not protecting the rebound, advancing the opportunity to attack the ignorant opponent, and handing over the game victory early.
As for the 76ers, whether the shooter group can stabilize such a play is still an important variable. If the shot is stable, the Raptors will find it difficult to find the opportunity to launch a conversion offense after grabbing the rebound, but once the 76ers' offense is slightly worse, the increase in mistakes and the decline in efficiency will become an opportunity for the Raptors to turn the tables.
In the next game, hardened at a high position, and quickly implemented the strategy of changing defenses after blocking and dismantling, which is likely to be put back on the tactical board by the Raptors. As for the 76ers, it is to do a good job in the current tactical thinking, if they can take a 2:0 lead at home, they have a high probability of closing this series within 5 games.