The Raptors are still in the running for a Top 4 place in the East, demonstrating how exceptional the practice of Nick Nurse’s troops has been. Still bereft of two holders this night (Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby), Toronto showed enough heart around a Pascal Siakam gala to topple Philadelphia in a jolt to the tunes of the first round of the playoffs.
The Sixers started the game off perfectly, relying on an exceptional external address, 7/8 behind the arc with Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris as the main snipers (17-30). Problem, the Raptors, in turn, caught fire from afar, this time with Gary Trent Jr and Precious Achiuwa to ring in the rebellion, with the help of a large defense.
After the 9-1 was passed at the end of the first quarter to return to -5 (26-31), the locals then took the lead with another big pass from Precious Achiuwa and a 3+1 from Malachi Flynn (40-34). However, Shake Milton’s 3-point hot shot and Joel Embiid’s last basket put Philly back in the lead at the break (56-60).
While the Sixers tried to escape on the return from the locker room and went so far as to count 7 points ahead of a three-pointer from Danny Green (62-69), Toronto relied on a particularly inspired Pascal Siakam and were aggressive. Author of 15 points on 7/9 in shooting in the period, the Cameroonian thus put his people back in the saddle 12 minutes before the end (87-85).
Along the way, the Raptors solidified their climax to go to +10 and follow Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa’s outer rockets and Gary Trent Jr’s (99-89) two baskets in quick succession. Confidently, Precious Achiuwa hit a new 3-point basket in first draft after hitting the head of the racket (102-92).
Philly refused to give up, between Tyrese Maxey’s seven straights and Danny Green’s three-pointers to maintain the tension (111-107). Pascal Siakam then used two new brilliant sequences, a finger roll after a monumental feint on Joel Embiid and a 2+1 jerk after an offensive rebound that validated his triple-double (118-111). In a blazing Scotiabank Arena, Toronto won 119-114!
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Cameroon wins! The opposition between Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid was worth the detour, and it was finally within the Raptors that took over, and in what way! “Spicy P” had no doubt ticked off this last regular-season encounter against his compatriot and had an evil pleasure torturing him, especially towards the end of the match, with the culmination of this feint making Joel Embiid soar. Pascal Siakam may not have the look of an Embiid in the NBA, but the 2019 champion proved in this showdown that he had next to nothing to envy to the Sixers pivot! Out of this “match in a match” it is undoubtedly Cameroon that ultimately emerged.
– A ring for Danny Green. Nearly three years after the 2019 title, Danny Green has finally received his NBA championship ring. The Sixers guard received his belongings from Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam before the game. An always beautiful moment that had the merit to boost Danny Green, author of one of his best offensive games of the season (18 points on 6/7 on 3 points).
TOPS/FLOPS
Pascal Siakam† What a game from him! The Cameroonian delivered his second triple-double in five games, which was an extraordinary feat as he carried his team at the height of the storm in the third quarter and was decisive in the final to kill the last slew of opponents.
Precious Achiuwa† What a burst of energy on both sides of the floor! The Raptors inside found himself defending against the best opponents, including James Harden, and most notably distinguished himself by planting five 3-point baskets on seven attempts, his new career high
Gary Trent Jr† He, too, was invaluable in the final with his two drives holding out a menacing Philly side almost to the end. In addition, his three-pointer on the head of the racket that blew up the Scotiabank Arena with happiness. It’s his 9and game of the season on 30 points or more.
James Harden† Another sad night from him on the offensive with an ugly 3/12 shootout. All the more problematic because his little comrades have fired their shot. Despite his 15 assists and 13 points, “The Beard” doesn’t really seem in the game as evidenced by his 3-point airball and his lost ball at the worst “money time” moment.
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (47-33): Tonight back-to-back against Houston, before closing the regular season on Sunday for the New York side.
Philadelphia (49-31): the Sixers receive Indiana this Saturday and continue with Detroit, still at home.
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