PLAYER GRADES: Philadelphia 76ers 94, Toronto Raptors 89

Jimmy Butler | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers evened up the series 1-1 against the Toronto Raptors in a defensive battle.

The first quarter was close at the midway point before the Philadelphia 76ers went on an 11-2 run, pushing their lead to 19-11. The quarter would close with Philadelphia leading 26-17.

In the second quarter, the game was more of the same. Philadelphia extended their lead to as much as 19 before going into the half up 51-38.

The second half saw Philadelphia’s lead evaporate quickly. Toronto brought the game to within one behind strong shooting and great defense early in the quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, Philadelphia held a six-point lead, 69-63.

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A Philadelphia run to begin the fourth opened a double-digit lead. However, the lead wouldn’t last as Toronto came roaring back. Kyle Lowry had back-to-back three-point field goals to bring the came to 90-87 with less than 100 seconds to go.

A Pascal Siakam lay-up, followed by a Joel Embiid drive saw the score remain a three-point game with 24 seconds remaining.

The final possession saw Toronto take their time looking for a shot as Philadelphia switched effectively. Eventually Danny Green missed his three-point shot and Tobias Harris brought down the rebound, making his free-throws and sealing the game with three seconds remaining, 94-89.

Philadelphia will look to use the home-court advantage they’ve stolen to push the series to 2-1 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.