PLAYER GRADES: Philadelphia 76ers 94, Toronto Raptors 89
By Sam Coltrane
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 76ers. JIMMY BUTLER. A. <strong>42 mins | 30 pts | 10 reb | 5 ast | 1 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | 9-22 FG | 4-10 3PT| 8-8 FT | 3 PF | +7 |</strong><p>Butler had his most important performance in his young Philadelphia career. He displayed his ability to serve as the leader on offense while also demonstrating what made him an All-NBA defender. Monday was an example of why he has long been regarded as a max-contract player.</p>. SF
C-. <strong>32 mins | 12 pts | 6 reb | 5 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 6 TO | 2-7 FG | 0-3 3PT| 8-8 FT | 3 PF | +3 |</strong><p>The conventional box score embodies a performance that would ordinarily score Embiid an F, but as he battles knee tendinitis and gastroenteritis, his presence alone goes a long way. Embiid’s presence on defense helped fill the lane and he contributed the layup that put Philadelphia up three with 24 seconds remaining. His health will be one of the biggest storylines moving forward.</p>. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID
PF. Philadelphia 76ers. TOBIAS HARRIS. C. <strong>35 mins | 9 pts | 11 reb | 4 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 3-11 FG | 1-5 3PT| 2-2 FT | 4 PF | +6 |</strong><p>Harris has been struggling with his shot as the season has dwindled. Perhaps it is his rhythm as he concedes shots, or the general spacing, but something has been off. However, the sign of a great player is being able to contribute even when their shot isn’t falling. Harris contributed by sharing the team lead in rebounds, contributing four more assists, and playing well outside the box score.</p>
B+. <strong>23 mins | 13 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 0 TO | 4-10 FG | 2-6 3PT| 3-5 FT | 2 PF | +7 |</strong><p>Ennis was forced into an increased role with Brett Brown shortening the bench in <a rel=. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. JAMES ENNIS III
B+. <strong>11 mins | 10 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 4-7 FG | 0-0 3PT| 2-2 FT | 0 PF | +8 |</strong><p>Monroe proved to be an invaluable piece for Brown in this game as <a rel=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. GREG MONROE
Next. Series predictions for Sixers-Raptors. dark
Philadelphia will look to use the home-court advantage they’ve stolen to push the series to 2-1 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.