The Raptors fought backwaters
Rivers probably did not expect that after Danny Green came to the starting lineup, the Philadelphia 76ers played an unparalleled offensive efficiency, the 34-year-old veteran, although physically and defensively inferior to Sebel, but as a long-established three-pointer, even if he lit a cigarette in the bottom corner, all the first ten shots were lost, and no opponent dared to let him go. Once the 76ers have space, then Embiid will be able to play well on the inside, and Maxi's speed advantage is also vividly reflected.
In this way, the 76ers easily held two home games and led 2-0 in the series. However, if you want to win the series, the next G3 becomes crucial. If the 76ers can win, then the Raptors will completely lose hope, and if the 76ers lose, then the series suspense will come back.
At one point, he was 17 points behind
The Toronto Raptors, who fought back, showed their determination in the first quarter. Anunoby had 10 points and 2 rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting, Trent also regained his touch, with 7 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, VanVleet did not score, but sent 5 assists, the Raptors scored 29 points in a single quarter, not much, but limited the 76ers to only score 19 points. The 76ers offense, with 19 points in a single quarter, is it strange? For the simple reason, the Raptors managed to defend the 76ers' star Embiid.
In this quarter, Embiid shot 1 of 4, only 2 free throws, 3 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block, as well as 4 turnovers, 76ers 8 turnovers in a single quarter, these data show the Raptors' defensive pressure. After returning from the second quarter, the 76ers made three more mistakes in quick succession, and the Raptors briefly took a 17-point lead. At the critical moment, Harden stepped forward, broke through to play 2+1, and the signature retreat step hit three-point shot, helping the 76ers successfully narrow the point difference to single digits, and also directly stopped the Raptors.
After the timeout returned, the Raptors put back the full starting lineup, Siakam pressed the whistle to hit the shot, Harden assisted Embiid to catch the hand, and then broke through to the layup. Anunoby immediately responded with three points, Maxi chased down the three-pointer, Trent three-pointers, Maxi broke through the layup in return, Siakam almost whistled in the three-second zone, and at the end of the half, the Toronto Raptors still led the Philadelphia 76ers by 10 points 56-46.
Harden exploded to carry the team
In such a game, James Harden carried the 76ers, 12 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists on 4-of-8 shooting, making him the team's best performer. Maxi also had 10 points and 1 assist, and Embiid had 5 points and 4 rebounds, and the offensive end was really helpless. It is worth mentioning that the 76ers only scored 6 free throws in the first half, the same as the Raptors. It has to be said that under the same number of free throws, the 76ers face the Raptors, there is really no advantage at all. However, the main reason for the 76ers' fall behind is that there are too many mistakes, with 14 mistakes in the half.
The Raptors played the ultimate defense, Siakam had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, Anunoby also had 13 points and 3 rebounds, Trent regained his touch, it was 12 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, and VanVleet had 4 points and 6 assists. Head coach Nas made very good adjustments, the last game, Achuva started, only 7 points and 6 rebounds, against Embiid really no advantage at all. So this game, Achuva came to the bench, half-time has 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist, 76ers substitute center this piece, really no one can limit him.