Sixers’ defense, physicality have left Raptors frustrated in NBA playoff series
In winning two in a row, the Sixers have held Toronto to a low three-point shooting percentage, out-rebounded them decisively and had the much better bench play.
During this Eastern Conference semifinal series, the 76ers defense has been exceptional, but they have also been bailed out by some horrific shooting by the Toronto Raptors, excluding Kawhi Leonard.
It’s become apparent that the Sixers can surely win this series by spotting Leonard his 30 or 35, or maybe even 40. They lost Game 1 when Leonard scored 45.
Today’s NBA is about having three-point shooting, rebounding and at least at little bit of depth. The Raptors were once again deficient in all three areas during Thursday’s 116-95 loss to the Sixers, who now lead this best of seven series 2-1.
If the Raptors three-point shooting (minus Leonard) doesn’t get north of 30 percent, and they continue to be out-rebounded by double-digits and their bench remains MIA, then this highly anticipated series can be a short one.
What the Sixers have done best in their last two wins, is limit the Raptors transition opportunities. That has mean that Toronto has had to work in a half-court offense.
“I think everybody knows what it is going to take and it starts on defense, that is where it starts,” said Sixers point guard Ben Simmons, who had 10 points, seven assists and just one turnover while also having to defend against Leonard. “When Jo (Embiid) is blocking shots, guys run through screens down to the ball. it is the little things that count and everybody can do.”
Embiid, who had 33 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots, enjoyed his first breakout game of the series.
Even Marc Gasol, who had been his defensive nemesis, wasn’t able to handle Embiid on Thursday.
And right now, the Raptors haven’t had the type of offensive firepower to overcome a dominant player such as Jimmy Butler in Game 2 and Embiid in Game 3. Butler scored 30 points in the Sixers 94-89 win in Game 2.
Too many times, the Raptors stand around and wait for Leonard to bail them out. He’s been so great, that often he has been able to do it, but the wear and tear of carrying the offense began to show on Thursday when he committed five of the Raptors nine turnovers.
In the last two games he has combined for 68 points and it hasn’t been enough.
During Thursday’s loss, the Raptors other than Leonard shot 22 for 62 from the field (36 percent) and 5 of 23 (21.7 percent) from three-point range.
In Game 2, if one took away Leonard’s total, the Raptors shot 20 for 67 (29.8 percent) and 7 for 27 from three (25.9 percent).
“We got to help him, myself especially,” said Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, talking about Leonard. “I have to help him score more. I got to help him on the floor and we all got to help him.”
On Thursday Lowry shot 2 for 10 and missed all four three’s.
As for rebounding, the Sixers have earned the edge in all three games. Thursday the Sixers out-rebounded the Raptors, 45-35. In Game 2, it was 53-36.
“We just really played with great physicality and we were able to use that throughout the game and that was huge for us,” forward Tobias Harris said. "We are using our size to our advantage.”
One has to wonder if the Sixers physicality is beginning to wear the Raptors down.
“I think they have the will to go and get it," Raptors forward Pascal Siakam said. “We have to show more resistance and want it more than they do.”
The Sixers bench dominance has been another problem for the Raptors. In the two wins, the Sixers have outscored the Raptors reserves, 49-20.
If the Sixers continue to impose their will in these three areas, it will be difficult for the Raptors to get back in this series.