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) /
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2. Shooting

The Sixers’ shooting fell off a cliff in game two, as they were a combined 7-36 from deep. Marco Belinelli and Dario Saric were the only Sixers to hit multiple three-point shots, while J.J. Redick hit just one of his seven attempts.

People have called the Sixers’ shooting unsustainable for weeks, but this kind of dud was unexpected. It’s always hard to bounce back on the road, but I doubt the Sixers shoot this poorly again. If they do, I’d at least like some forewarning so I don’t have to watch it again.

With the Heat pressing Simmons and doing an impressive job sticking to shooters, the offense was stagnant for most of the evening. There isn’t much analysis needed here; the Sixers just have to start hitting shots again.

Obviously, if Embiid returns, his post presence could help open up certain things on the perimeter. A lot of Brett Brown’s actions — especially for Redick and Belinelli — revolve around JoJo in some fashion.