The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 things Sixers must improve for Game 3

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the national anthem prior to Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the national anthem prior to Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

1. Defensive pressure on Simmons

The Heat broke out a defensive strategy the Sixers should have seen coming, pressuring Ben Simmons out to the perimeter. Rather than sagging off and allowing him to get downhill, they made it far more difficult for him to get to his regular spots on the floor.

Miami was always a tough matchup for Simmons individually. Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and James Johnson are all high-end defenders who can hang with him physically. Not many teams can throw that many looks at the presumtive Rookie of the Year.

Simmons, while not able to make some of the passes we’re used to, still handled the pressure well. He got off to a slow start, but carried the Sixers down the stretch as they clawed their way back into the game. He ended up with 24 points and eight assists while limiting his turnovers to two.

The offense stagnated for multiple reasons Monday night, but Miami’s ability to alter Simmons’ approach played a significant role in that. He’ll need to be prepared for increased on-ball pressure yet again, something an Embiid return (?) can ideally help mitigate.