Takeaways From the Game 5 Blowout Aside From Joel Embiid’s Sickness

Last night in Toronto went as poorly as it could go. Now, as a fan base, we’ve been pretty good at burying our emotions deep when it comes to our sports teams causing midterm. But this series isn’t over and it’s coming back home. So, instead of being a bunch of sad sacks from now until Thursday night, let’s see how we can get this back to the 6ix for Game 7. Here are some takeaways from the game that aren’t related to Joel Embiid having the worst white blood cells since Europe in the 1300’s.

Execution Not Effort: 

 Everyone today is going to rip the Sixers for a lack of effort. It’s hard to try when you’re getting your ass kicked. The reason they were getting their ass locked because of their terrible execution on offense. A team who is typically very good with their ball movement did so much 1 on 1 shit. That’s what led to JJ Redick becoming a non-factor. It also led to the Raptors getting out in transition on missed shots, a team that usually likes to slow the pace. Just nothing worked on offense, and the only thing that might’ve was Jimmy running point. Even that is counterproductive because if Ben Simmons isn’t going to run the offense, what is his purpose out there.

Speaking of Ben Simmons…

I really like Ben and I’m sure he will continue to blossom as an NBA player. But man, is it going to be a longggg offseason if he plays poorly again in Game 6 and they lose. There were legitimate discussions last year in the Boston series if TJ McConnell should start over him. He somehow had a worse performance than THAT last night. Players need to play to their best strengths. Kyle Lowry’s best strength is being small and getting every call when he falls down. Ben’s is the aggressiveness in which he can attack the paint. It’s win or go home, so go hard to the rim more often and get more decisive. 

Defensive rotations:

What was the most jaw dropping part of the Sixers getting whooped was how poorly they rotated on defense seeing as they did it so well less than a week ago. They had been doing so well hedging on screens for Kawhi and allowing Ben to get back. Last night’s strategy seemed to be, “You take him, no you take him”. They got lost on screens. They were getting beat in transition (did anyone have Danny Green even once?!). They couldn’t even figure out the proper matchups when they made substitutions. On two separate plays, Mike Scott and James Ennis subbed in and didn’t seem to know who they had. Yeah I remember my first 6th Grade AAU tournament too.

Lastly and Most Important:

Whether the Sixers lost by 10, 20 or 30 in Game 5, they were ALWAYS going to need to win Game 6. If they had gone up 3-1, they may have somehow lost in a worse fashion in Game 5. The Raptors wouldn’t have gone out in 5 in front of their home crowd. They were always going to have to win this upcoming game no matter what. It is so important that they do, because playing in a Game 7 is the next step and chapter for this core. You learn a lot about your team in a win or go home game for both teams. This team will either win in it, or grow from it. Get there.