The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and as the first series draws to a close, seven semifinal teams have come to the fore.
Multiple playoff powerhouses in the NBA
In the Western Division, the Warriors, Suns and Lone Rangers have successfully reached the semifinals. The Warriors' opponent in the second round is the winner of the Grizzlies vs Timberwolves series. The Suns and the Lone Rangers played out in the second round.
In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics, Heat, Bucks and 76ers eliminated their opponents and eventually advanced to the second round. The Celtics and bucks will be rivals in the semifinals. The 76ers will challenge the Heat, who are at the top of the Eastern Conference, in the second round.
The latest NBA playoff game at a glance
Averaging 19 points per game, Harden became the 76ers' third scorer! Old Man completes the redemption! Is Philadelphia really going to win?
Harden became the 76ers' third-place scorer
After winning the G6 battle against the Raptors in the first round of the series, the 76ers eventually eliminated Toronto by a big score of 4-2. It is worth noting that the position of James Harden, the core of the 76ers' backcourt, in the team has changed. James Harden was once the second-on-leading star on the team after Joeln Bede during the regular season.
76ers Embiid and Harden
However, in the first round of the playoffs, James Harden's average number of shots and scores per game were surpassed by teammate Maxie. James Harden averaged 13 shots per game in the first round of the playoffs, with 19 points, 5 boards, 10 assists, 1 steal and 1 block-double. Harden shot 41 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free throws.
The 76ers' top star, Jon Bede, averaged 17 shots per game and had 26 points, 11 boards and 2 assists, shooting 52 percent from the field, 19 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free throws.
Embiid, Maxi and Harden
Philadelphia backcourt star Maxi averaged 15 shots per game in the playoffs, scoring 21 points, 5 boards and 5 assists, shooting 51% from the field, 41% from three-point range and 95% from the free throws.
Although Gui is the highest salary in the team, Harden's number of shots and average number of points per game are second to Embiid and Maxi. Harden's tactical position on the offensive end has been weakened. At the same time, it also means that James Harden has officially become the No. 3 star and scorer of the 76ers.
Harden and Maxi
However, Harden's decline in offensive roles is closely related to his role transformation. Under Dow Cliffords' system, James Harden's first task is to tandem the team, followed by scoring. Harden averaged 10.2 assists per game in the first round, successfully activating Philadelphia's offensive system, which was the key to the 76ers' final progress to the semifinals.
Old Man completes redemption
With a 3-0 lead in the first round, the 76ers had a game point early. However, the 76ers' road to the semifinals is extremely difficult. After losing two consecutive games, the 76ers rushed to the away game to challenge the Raptors, which is unprecedented pressure. It is worth mentioning that 76ers head coach Dogreavers is regarded by the media and fans as the "king of reversals". Because in Dow Grifos' playoff coaching career, he has been reversed and eliminated by opponents many times in the case of a big score lead.
Harden and Dow Graves
In the history of the NBA playoffs, there has not yet been a case of a big score 3-0 lead, but it was eventually reversed. Philadelphia's G6 battle with the Raptors, Dow Griffith and the 76ers, are under tremendous pressure invisibly. Because once the G6 loses, Philadelphia will swallow 3 consecutive defeats, and the 7th battle will collapse. However, the 76ers eventually beat their opponents 132-97 and achieved promotion.
Dow Riverfords proved himself, leading the team to victory and completing the redemption. Lao Li's stigma of being the King of Reversals can finally be washed away.
76ers head coach Dogreavers
Are the 76ers really going to win?
James Harden was the league's top scorer during his time with the Rockets. Harden has won the regular season scoring champion and MVP, and his personal strength is beyond doubt. However, with multiple scoring players in the 76ers, Harden changed his role. Harden, who plays point guard, helped the 76ers improve the quality of attack and defense.
Embiid and James Harden
The 76ers' main rotation players already have the strength to impact the championship. Embiid has undifferentiated misplaced singles, and can be inside and out, attacking and defending. As the scoring champion of the regular season and one of the popular candidates for MVP and DPOY, Embiid's dominance is self-evident. Embiid, considered the 1st interior of the active league, is the cornerstone of the 76ers' assault on the championship.
As a double-strength defender with excellent physical fitness, Maxi has strong impact and excellent long-range shooting ability. In addition, Maxi's style of daring to play at key moments can make up for Harden's weak scoring at key moments. Maxi, who cut 21+5+5 stats in the first round, is already the top backcourt star in the NBA.
Maxi
Tobias Harris' offensive and defensive prowess has always been underestimated. As a player with a simple style and a low-key personality, Harris has played the role of an all-round forward around Embiid, Maxi and Harden. Tobias Harris, who averaged 18 points, 10 boards and 3 assists in the first round, shooting 52% from the field, shooting 43% from three-point range and shooting 88% from the free throw line, is the most stable player on both ends of the 76ers. Facing the Raptors' strong forward group, Harris can still cut the 18+10 data efficiently. Tobias Harris, who had already proved himself in the first round.
Embiid, Harden, Maxi and Harris
The 76ers have embiid, Maxi, Harris 3 strong scorers, Harden's heavy responsibility on the offensive end has been greatly reduced, which may also be the main reason why Harden is willing to sacrifice the ball and data to become a full teammate. It is worth mentioning that the 76ers also have two top wing defenders, Danny Green and Sebel. In addition, Niang and Milton are also regarded as high-quality shooters.
Can Harden lead the 76ers to the championship?
The 76ers have no obvious shortcomings at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends, and also have Embiid, an absolute offensive and defensive strength. Philadelphia has the lineup and strength to impact the championship, and this season's 76ers are really going to win the championship?