Philadelphia 76ers: 4 things to watch vs. Toronto Raptors in Game 3
By AJ Iezzi
1. How do the Raptors adjust to Jimmy Butler?
“James” Butler was the driving force behind the Sixers’ road victory in Toronto. He was on the floor for the entire fourth quarter, and was the star the Sixers needed him to be. 30 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists was the stat line for a gusty, efficient effort from a player who needed to come up big. In addition to filling up the box score, Butler played great defense and was perfect from the foul line in his eight free throw attempts.
Jimmy Butler shot 41 percent from the floor Monday night, including 10 three-point attempts. Only one of his made field goals wasn’t a three or layup. If he can find his rhythm from mid-range, Butler could be the most important player in the series.
The most obvious adjustment Toronto could make is switching Kawhi Leonard onto Butler. Kawhi Leonard is a vicious perimeter defender that is capable of throwing nearly anyone in a torture chamber. Leonard gluing himself to Butler would make things more difficult for the Sixers’ best shot creator, but Leonard not guarding Simmons could open the door for him to finally start scoring.
Kawhi Leonard being assigned to Ben Simmons would force Nick Nurse to make interesting defensive choices in the starting five. Hypothetically, Leonard on Butler and Gasol on Embiid, would leave Simmons/Harris guarded by either Siakim or Green. Would Siakim be better off guarding a scorer or the Sixers’ best play initiator? Either way, Danny Green would have to guard someone bigger and stronger than him.
The Sixers earned a victory by playing stout defense on Kawhi Leonard, and picking what Toronto shots they could live with. Expect Toronto to take a similar approach Thursday night.