The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers grab 3-1 series lead with comeback win

By Ken Jaskulski

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Ben Simmons’ triple-double, took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a victory in Miami.

26 turnovers.  42 percent team shooting. 22 percent team shooting from three. Joel Embiid gets outplayed by Hassan Whiteside. If someone gave me these Philadelphia 76ers statistics prior to the game and told me to pick a winner, I would have taken Miami and bet my house.

Luckily that didn’t happen. Despite below average shooting and 26 turnovers and Hassan Whiteside deciding to show up and play, Philly hung around long enough to pull out a 106-102 win. Philadelphia now has a commanding 3-1 series lead and has crushed Miami’s hopes of advancing in the playoffs.

WHY PHILLY WON

Philly won because in large part they kept their composure in a very chippy game.  Miami was called for 32 fouls and it should have been more. The 76ers shot 27-35 from the foul line.

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Philadelphia also won because Ben Simmons played an excellent second half.  Simmons had a triple-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Finally, the Sixers had only three turnovers in the fourth quarter when they made their run. Miami played as hard as they could, however they had too many defensive breakdowns in the fourth quarter.

The game breakdowns:

STARTERS — ADVANTAGE SIXERS

Ben Simmons and J.J. Redick stood out, but other starers Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and Robert Covington  combined for an additional 35 points. For Miami, Goren Dragic scored 20 points and Hassan Whiteside added 13.  Tyler Johnson is clearly bothered by a left thumb injury he sustained last game.

BENCH — ADVANTAGE SIXERS

Despite Dwayne Wade’s 25 points, he received no help.  Kelly Olynyk had zero points and Justice Winslow scored only seven points on 3-9 shooting.  Philly’s bench was a +24 while Miami’s bench was a -21.

COACHING — EVEN

Erik Spoelstra did everything he could to disrupt the Sixers’ offense by having his defenders play up on the Philly players. When the two best players on the court are on the other team, you’re facing an uphill battle.

Brett Brown remained a positive constant despite the adversity Philadelphia faced for three-plus quarters. Once the game settled down late in the third and fourth quarters, Philly found its rhythm.

STATISTICS — ADVANTAGE SIXERS

Miami’s 32 fouls somewhat balanced out Philadelphia’s 26 turnovers.  Philadelphia outscored Miami 27-19 in the fourth quarter. Joel Embiid had five blocks. The biggest stat for the 76ers faithful is the 106-102 win.

REF REPORT

Again a very hard game to call because Miami wanted to be physical in an attempt to disrupt Philly. 32 fouls were called against Miami and they could have called twice that number.  Will Dario Saric ever get a call?

SIXER TIDBITS

Will anyone reading this that knows T.J. McConnell to please tell him to stop blaming his teammates when he makes a mistake on the court.  Please, Jalen Brunson be available when the Sixers draft this summer.

Next: Belinelli continues to elevate Sixers' offense

Also, someone please tell RoCo to stop getting beat back door.