The Sixer Sense
Fansided

76ers’ Game 2 loss: 3 players the Celtics exposed

By Christopher Kline

May 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) works for the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) works for the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers entered Wednesday’s Game 2 against Boston on an emotional high. Having just won Game 1, and having just watched Joel Embiid win league MVP, there was a lot of positive energy around the team. The cherry on top? Embiid, after a 14-day absence due to a sprained LCL in his right knee, was set to make his triumphant return.

And return he did. Embiid started the game and played a solid minutes load, logging 26 before the Sixers shut down the starters in the fourth quarter. Of course, the primary issue is that the Sixers needed to shut down the starters for the entire fourth quarter. The Celtics blasted Philly out of the water in the third quarter, winning the frame 35-16. That won’t cut it in the playoffs.

The Sixers lost the effort battle all night, and to make matters worse their 3s weren’t falling and James Harden, fresh off his dominant 45-point Game 1 performance, looked far more mortal. It was an intimidating bounce-back performance by the Celtics. And, for these three Sixers in particular, the game cast doubt over their ability to contribute moving forward.

76ers players the Celtics exposed in Game 2

3. Georges Niang

There was a lot of talk about the Sixers’ improved depth this season. But here we are, in the “real playoffs” as P.J. Tucker would say, and Philadelphia’s bench is getting run off the floor. The starters didn’t fare much better in this game, frankly, but it’s clear that Doc Rivers’ nine-man rotation either needs to be shortened or altered.

Georges Niang hit one of two attempts from deep in Game 2 and scored three points in 13 minutes. Shooters are going to have cold spells, but the primary issue with Niang’s performance in this particular instance is a lack of volume. He’s out there for one thing and one thing only: to spread the defense thin by chucking up every open 3 that comes his way.

There was a notable moment in the second quarter, late, when the Sixers were starting to close the gap on Boston. Niang pump-faked out of a clean look, drove haphazardly into traffic, and turned the ball over — leading to a Celtics 3 on the other end. Essentially a six-point swing before the game spiraled out of Philly’s control after halftime. If Niang is going to record-scratch on the perimeter, there’s no point in keeping him on the floor. He’s an easy target for the Celtics’ offense and he doesn’t provide much ancillary value beyond the 3-point shot.