Sixers vs. Pacers: 3 takeaways from brutal loss in bubble opener

1. Sloppy, sloppy, and more sloppy

The Sixers committed 21 turnovers, looked out of sync defensively, and never established a rhythm in the halfcourt. After going up 10-2 to start the game, most of everything else was downhill or some variation of it. Embiid kept Philadelphia alive, and the Sixers even led for stretches of the third and fourth quarters. But at no point did the Sixers feel “in control.” It was chaotic in the most Sixers way.

There are multiple players worthy of blame. Simmons committed four turnovers to only four assists. Milton, Josh Richardson, and Alec Burks all struggled as ball-handlers. Neto was the only passable lead guard. I’m sitting on a hot take, and I’ll give it a few games to breathe, but let’s just say I’m on the Neto train. Again?

Philadelphia struggled to properly space the floor for Embiid, and entry passes were a big sticking point for anyone who watched the game. For such a basic, essential basketball skill, the Sixers’ inability to consistently get the ball to Embiid or Simmons in the post would suggest incompetence. Some bad, bad passes were made.

Milton looked lost at point guard (see: slide one), Simmons was unusually flustered, and the offense outside Embiid stalled time and time again. Tobias Harris mustered 30 points, but even he faded in and out of the game.

On defense, the Sixers never figured out how to properly defend T.J. Warren despite his hot hand. He ended the game with 53 points on 9-for-12 shooting from deep. He even hit the dagger in the final moments — a 3-pointer the Sixers afforded him far too much space on.

Beyond Warren, the Pacers were able to blitz the Sixers’ discombobulated offense and take advantage of their quickness. If the Sixers weren’t able to get it to Embiid with a size advantage inside, the advantage belonged to Indiana.

The Sixers need to get it together. Quick.