Quote (Sixers @ May 10 2023 06:04pm)

76ers went zone more last night, much like they did a lot more in games 1 and 4 (games they won ofc). It seems to do well when they mix that into some of the defensive possessions.

Also, Horford has been dog shit shooting threes in almost the entire series. He had the one great game (g3) where he shot 5-for-7, but otherwise in games 1,2,4 and 5 he's a combined 4-for-27 from 3PT rofl. Please go ahead and keep launching, if that's the Celtics x-factor to win this series we'll take it any day.

As I've said before, Tatum is the most overrated player in the game.

And yes, Mazzulla is finally catching up to them. This is the part of the season where experience and making the right adjustments are critical, and he lacks that experience. Knock Doc Rivers all you want for years past, but that man has been ON POINT these playoffs. Utilizing Danuel House Jr. last night was brilliant; he came up huge in his 15 minutes off the bench after not being a part of the rotation before.

Quote (MildSambal @ May 10 2023 07:51pm)

As we talked about before the only good bench pieces for the 76ers are Melton, House, and Springer. Doc just hasn’t screwed the pooch (yet)

Quote (Sixers @ May 10 2023 07:33pm)

Lol did Paul Reed die, or? He has been the best backup center Embiid has ever had in the playoffs. Doc finally giving him a chance after fans begged for it last season too.

Also, Jalen McDaniels is pretty good. He just wasn't shooting well so Doc pulled him from the rotation. Niang is a great shooter, just a slug defensively.

....and Springer????? Wut 🤔

Quote (MildSambal @ May 11 2023 08:17am)

There is a missing sense of urgency from the Celtics. They seem to not take Philly very seriously. Also there is a pretty clear drop off in coaching from Ime to Joe.

Quote (MildSambal @ May 10 2023 08:43pm)

probably the strangest of all is Tobias being ultra efficient offensively. he can't keep anyone in front of him defensively, but when you're racking up points like this then you are a very valuable piece

Quote (Sixers @ May 11 2023 10:03am)

Tobias isn't doing anything that he doesn't normally do in the playoffs though, or regular season for that matter. He's usually an efficient scorer. I mean, the guy has flirted with 20 PPG on 50/40/90 a few times in the regular season (2020-21 averaged 20 PPG on 51.2% FG, 39.4% 3PT, and 89.2% FT).

Difference is, he's not being asked to be the #2 or #3 scorer anymore. He's the #4 guy, which is a luxury. In previous years with Ben Simmons, Tobias had to essentially be the go-to scorer next to Embiid (outside of that one playoff run with Butler like 4 years ago). Now he's clearly behind Embiid, Maxey, and Harden and can be more selective and not have to force so many shots. He can also be more of a spot up guy too and take advantage of mismatches.

Quote (MildSambal @ May 11 2023 11:16am)

That would normally make sense but the Celtics are stacked with elite on ball defenders. I'm very surprised that Tobias is having his way

The Celtics should be forcing Embiid to make his mid range shots. It looked like the Celtics were just letting the 76ers walk into rhythm mid range shots, not just Embiid but also Harden, Tobias, and Maxey...

Quote (Sixers @ May 11 2023 10:25am)

They'll make adjustments, no doubt about that. Expect a different energy and game plan for game 5.

The thing is, Doc Rivers has been coaching his ass off. He's out-coaching the shit out of Mazzulla who looks a mess. As one would expect considering the difference in experience between the two.

Quote (MildSambal @ May 11 2023 11:26am)

this is the biggest game for the 76ers in decades, no exaggeration. Embiid and Harden have the opportunity to shed the choker label. If they blow game 6 they better wrote the skate clean