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The Toronto Raptors took a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semi-finals after dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 125-89 last night. The Raptors took advantage of the Sixers sloppy play as they scored 31 points off turnovers and 33 points in transition. After the game, Sixers head coach Brett Brown described Toronto's efforts on both ends of the floor as haunting.
Brett Brown calls the 31 points given up on turnovers and 33 points in transition “haunting.” #NBAPlayoffs2019
— Lori Ewing (@Ewingsports) May 8, 2019
The game was close at the end of the first quarter, with the Raptors leading the Sixers by one, 27-26. However, Toronto started to pull away in the second period, as they outscored Philly 37-17.
The Raptors never looked back.
Six Raptors scored in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam's 25 points. Kawhi Leonard had a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Kyle Lowry had a great all-around game with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Jimmy Butler led the Sixers with 22 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. However, he wasn't able to get enough help, as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons' struggles continued. They only managed to produce 20 points and five assists, despite playing 31 and 25 minutes respectively.
The Raptors will have the opportunity to eliminate the Sixers from the playoffs on Thursday when the latter host Game 6.
If the Sixers will once again struggle to take care of the ball, and if they allow the Raptors to run in transition the way they did last night, then they will most certainly lose this series. They also need to figure out a way to get more production from Embiid and Simmons, who has been struggling throughout this series.
Should they succeed in doing so, they might be able to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
