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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3. Stopping the drive

The Heat have an fairly versatile lineup, especially when Hassan Whiteside steps off the floor. Everybody can handle the ball, from Kelly Olynyk and James Johnson in the frontcourt to Dragic at the point.

In Monday night’s loss, that killed the Sixers. They struggled to contain the drive, allowing Miami to get into the teeth of the defense and find open shooters on the perimeter. The Heat also got to the rim and initiated contact, which worked to their advantage with how the game was officiated.

Part of the issue can be tied to rim protection, but a lot of it comes back to discipline. The Sixers looked rushed on the defensive end all night, and it ended up costing them several potential stops.

Miami, while not brimming with star talent, has a lineup full of players who are capable of generating their own offense and creating for others. That’s something the Sixers need to be wary of moving forward.