Sixers: 3 takeaways from spineless Game 5 loss to Raptors

Sixers-Raptors game five takeaways: Doc Rivers can’t finish

According to ESPN, Doc Rivers has lost seven of his last eight “close-out” opportunities in the postseason. He’s 15-31 for his career. That’s pretty damning for a coach widely considered one of the best to ever do it. For whatever reason, Doc’s teams for the last decade just have no been able to close series. It was the story of his tenure in LA, and shocker, it has so far been the story of his tenure in Philadelphia.

The Sixers’ lack of backbone led to them fumbling away last season to the Hawks, who were just not that good. Now, after jumping ahead 3-0 and working up a comfortable lead, the Sixers just have not shown up to work for two straight games. It’s also worth noting that, were it not for Embiid’s superhero performance in Game 3, the Sixers would’ve probably lost that game too. They haven’t looked properly engaged or prepared since they went up 2-0 at home.

It’s not all Doc Rivers’ fault — the stars need to play better, Philly’s roster construction leaves a lot to be desired, and the Raptors deserve credit for playing two good games. Most people expected a competitive series and Toronto is finally delivering. That said, folding under pressure is not a unique experience with this Sixers team. This is not the first time we’ve seen Philly just not wake up for an important game. It’s a trend for this team and for Doc Rivers. He has to inspire them. It’s truly remarkable how lethargic Philadelphia was after what happened in Game 4. That kind of stuff typically circles around to the coach, fair or not.

The Sixers need more from everyone. But it starts with Doc Rivers, who now has a reputation to shed. In fact, the entire emotional core of this team — Embiid, Harden, Doc — has something to prove at this point. Let’s see how they respond.