The Philadelphia 76ers, at 3-1 and heading home, are now tied with 1-seed Toronto Raptors as the favorite to win the NBA Eastern Conference
The Philadelphia 76ers left the city of Philadelphia in a precarious spot. Tied at 1-1 but with all the momentum in the hands of their playoff-veteran opponent the Miami Heat. It was a true test of the team’s fortitude, passion, and resolve. After all, this was a team playing in the postseason for the first time under head coach Brett Brown. This was a team led by rookie point guard Ben Simmons, and without star center Joel Embiid. And they had been outplayed by a Miami Heat team who wanted not only to win, but to disrespect the 76ers. The last layup by Heat point guard Goran Dragic tried to send a message to the Philadelphia 76ers team. Just stay down.
Philadelphia got back up. And now, they are getting plenty of notice. In fact, some have them as the favorite to win the NBA Eastern Conference.
Masked man
Perhaps the timing was coincidental. Perhaps that Dragic layup moved things along. But whatever the cause, Sixers center Joel Embiid could not be contained on the bench any longer.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown on Joel Embiid’s IG post that read [Freaking] sick and tired of being babied.” pic.twitter.com/k6hLQURgem
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 17, 2018
This was not a tantrum. This was a fighter wanting to get in the ring. Miami tried to take the fight to Philly and did so in game two. Ah, but momentum has a way of swinging back and forth doesn’t it? The Miami Heat took the advantage by splitting the series in Philly. And they had plenty of reason to be confident in returning to their home court. But a masked Joel Embiid planned to be on that court. Would Miami have an answer for him?