In Sixers-Raptors Game 7, team with best shot will have the best shot of advancing to next round of NBA playoffs

It sounds so simple. But in reality, it is actually a matter of just making shots.

The team that does that will probably win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the 76ers and Raptors on Sunday night in Toronto.

The winner of the previous six series games had better field-goal shooting percentages. And don’t be fooled by the solid-defense rhetoric. The Raptors won Game 1. That was the only time that winning team didn’t have the best three-point percentage in addition to overall field-goal percentage.

In regard to shooting three-pointers, a lot of shots have been wide-open looks. It’s just a matter of making them.

The Raptors didn’t do it in the Sixers’ 112-101 Game 6 victory Thursday at Wells Fargo Center. They made just 9-of-36 three-pointers (25 percent) with Kawhi Leonard (0-for-4), Marc Gasol (0-for-3) and Serge Ibaka (0-for-3) combining to go 0-for-10, and sharpshooter Danny Green going 2-for-8. The Sixers, meanwhile, made 35.7 percent of their three-pointers (10-of-28) and had the 46.1 to 43.2 percent edge in field-goal shooting.

In Toronto’s 125-89 Game 5 victory, the Raptors shot 48.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent on three-pointers. The Sixers were 41.8 percent from the field and a woeful 25 percent (6-of-24) on three-pointers.

So don’t be surprised if shooting will be the difference in Game 7.

The winner of the decisive game will face the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference finals. Game 1 of that series will start at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Milwaukee.

»READ MORE: A few things to consider from Sixers-Raptors Game 6 | David Murphy

The Sixers have an all-time record of 6-9 in Game 7′s. They are 1-8 on the road in those games. Their last Game 7 was a 85-75 road setback to the Boston Celtics in the 2012 conference semifinal series.

It’s unfair to link this season’s squad to the franchise’s losing record in Game 7′s, considering none of the current players were on any of those teams. However, it’s hard to overlook the current players’ lack of experience in Game 7′s.

Toronto’s players have 21 combined games’ experience in Game 7′s, compared to nine by the Sixers. Game 7′s are intense because both squads know the loser’s season is over. The emotion, physicality and sense of urgency is more profound.

In order to win, the Sixers are going to have to create some mismatches and draw double-teams on Joel Embiid mostly. In the latter scenario, the hope is for the All-Star center to pass out to a wide-open teammate beyond the three-point line.

The Sixers could also duplicate what they did with Ben Simmons in Game 6. He had the ball much of the time in the second half, which enabled him to be more aggressive. That came after Jimmy Butler had the ball a lot in pick-and-rolls with Embiid. But the Sixers made a conscious adjustment to get Simmons back in attack mode after not having been much involved offensively in Games 4 and 5. That tactic worked out well, as he finished with 21 points on 9-for-13 shooting.

»READ MORE: James Ennis brings a lot to Sixers | Film review

Philly would also benefit from trying to get Tobias Harris and JJ Redick in a groove, early. If the duo hits three-pointers, things will open up for Butler to go one-on-one. It could also give Embiid room to operate in the paint and allow Simmons to get to the basket.

Meanwhile, the Sixers can expect to see Leonard play aggressively. The All-Star small forward will try to put the game on his shoulders. His teammates, however, must make three-pointers when open. That would help Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Leonard to get into the lane and drive to the basket.

As has been the case this series, teams will get their share of open looks. The better shooting team will most likely win.