As the popular saying goes, there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Nevertheless, the Philadelphia 76ers went wayward from that, and on the heels of an epic collapse that could have been entirely avoided, they probably did what the situation commanded.
New York’s epic comeback in Game 2 of their first-round series against Philadelphia was cinematic, but definitely not among the 76ers circle. Ruing the officiating toward the end of the game, the 76ers filed a grievance to the league, to which the latter responded with an L2M report that basically confirmed what they’re bemoaning: that they were robbed of a victory thanks to blatant no-calls.
Be that as it may, the series is far from over, and Joel Embiid’s comment on what unfolded in Game 2 could raise some eyebrows in this regard.
Joel Embiid issues puzzling take on 76ers’ Game 2 collapse
Asked after the game about his thoughts on their last-minute fizzle in Game 2 which saw them cast a five-point lead with under 30 seconds left before the Knicks took the lead and the game off two three-pointers, the latter of which came off a questionable no-call that led to a steal, Embiid bluntly pointed out that their latest loss was worse than their infamous Game 7 defeat to the eventual champions Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Embiid may just be caught up in the whirlwind of frustration after such a gut-wrenching loss, but he and the team must remember that the series will shift to Philadelphia, and things should be different this time around. As they say, the real playoffs start when the visitors steal one at home.
As long as the bracket stays under four, the 76ers still have a solid chance at escaping the Knicks. Of course, they will have to protect homecourt, but they also have to be a ton more consistent on both ends and exact their playoff experience on New York. To completely absolve themselves from blame is not right as they also committed a lot of mistakes late in the game to put the team in a vulnerable position.
With the series heading to Philly, the 76ers will have a grand opportunity to knot the series up before a swing game back to New York. Hopefully, they get the job done with Joel Embiid and the others staying in top shape.