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After climbing their way out of an 0-3 hole and forcing a sixth game back in Toronto, the Raptors have found new life in their first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Ready to even things up in Game 6 against the Sixers, the Raptors will continue to make their presence known in Jurassic Park. Fresh off back-to-back wins in dominant fashion, it looks as if the Raptors have snatched all the momentum from the Sixers after cutting their series lead to just one game. With that we'll now take a look at the four reasons behind their recent power shift.
Raptors Are Momentum Snatchers
1. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby have elevated their play on both ends of the court
Even with Fred VanVleet out injured, the Raptors have still been able to dominate the 76ers over the past couple games. In Game 5, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby led the way for this young and dynamic Raptors squad that completely took Philly out of their element. Combining for 39 points, 11 assists, and 15 rebounds, Siakam and Anunoby led a balanced attack for Toronto that led to an impressive road win.
As a couple of athletic and defensive savvy wings, Siakam and Anunoby have elevated their play on both ends of the court and it showed in their Game 5 stunner against the Sixers. In Game 6 it's very likely that we'll be seeing more of the same from these elite two-way talents that have had a major impact on the series.
2. Nick Nurse has been coaching in circles around Doc Rivers
After getting outcoached by Doc Rivers through the first three games of this series, Nick Nurse has turned the tables and made the necessary adjustments get Toronto back into this series. Their statement win in Game 5 was just a further testament to Nurse's coaching greatness and how hard he can get this team to fight regardless of the deficit their in.
His championship pedigree and ability to do the most with the least has made him a coaching staple in this league. With Toronto's dominant showing in Game 5, Nurse has did a number on Rivers for the second time. Coming off another impressive win, Nurse will definitely have more tricks up his sleeve when the Raptors play host in Game 6.
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3. The Raptors aggressive team defense has overwhelmed Joel Embiid and James Harden
It's safe to say that both Joel Embiid and James Harden have had a rough go of it over the past couple games in this series. Especially after the way they got smacked by the Raps on their home court on Monday night. Granted Embiid has been battling through a thumb injury, but Harden's play hasn't been great and this has put more pressure on Embiid to play at a high level.
Moreover, their stagnant play of late has been a result of the smothering defense that the Raptors have been playing as a collective. Between making things difficult for Embiid down low to limiting Harden's abilities by disrupting the driving and passing lanes, this superstar duo has been overwhelmed. Add to that the lackluster performances of their supporting cast that features Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Danny Green, and Furkan Korkmaz.
The Raptors have figured out how to limit the Sixers by shutting down their two best players. In Game 5, Toronto was playing desperate and didn't let up against Philadelphia in the slightest. Come Wednesday night, the Raptors will be back to their usual tricks. Due to Canada's policy on the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, Thybulle will be forced to miss Game 6. Which will further wear down Embiid and Harden with the 76ers being forced to play a man down.
4. Toronto's selfless team play has kept them in this series
With strong play all-around, the Raptors have managed to keep their season alive and stay competitive with the 76ers. Led by the heroics of Siakam and Anunoby, the Raptors have also gotten major contributions from Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, Khem Birch, and Chris Bouche. Having a roster loaded with multi-skilled hustle players of this caliber are exactly why they've come within one game of tying the series and forcing a Game 7 back in Philadelphia.
