(Toronto) Despite inspired play by Montrealer Chris Boucher, the Raptors broke down in the third quarter and lost 132-97 to the 76ers of Philadelphia on Thursday in Toronto, seeing their playoff run come to an end in six games, in the first round.
Posted at 9:55 p.m.
Updated at 11:17 p.m.
Boucher totaled 25 points, including 19 in the first half.
The Sixers only led 62-61 at the half but in the next quarter, the Raptors were outscored 37-17. The visitors stunned their rivals and supporters there by scoring 17 unanswered points.
NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had 33 points, eight more than Tyrese Maxey, who did a lot of damage on three-point shots.
They were well supported by 22 points from James Harden, 19 from Tobias Harris and 12 from Danny Green, a former Raptors.
“First off, hats off to the Sixers,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. We couldn’t stop them in the second half.
Photo Frank Gunn, The Canadian Press
Joel Embiid (21) celebrates the elimination of his opponents.
“On our side, there is a fine line between aggressive play and taking shots that have little chance of success. That said, no one can take away from our guys the fighting spirit they have shown. They will be able to draw a lot of positive from the series, but also from the season in general. »
Maxey had five shots from long range and Green four.
Harden provided 15 assists and Embiid grabbed 10 rebounds.
Toronto also has nice contributions from Pascal Siakam (24 points), Gary Trent (19) and Scottie Barnes (18), NBA Rookie of the Year. It was not enough to snatch another victory, in the hope of an ultimate match.
Boucher also had 10 rebounds and a block.
“Guys like Chris, Gary and Precious (Achiuwa) have grown a lot this season, and it was great to see Pascal get back to being himself,” said Nurse.
OG Anunoby played 29 minutes but only contributed five points.
In addition, Nick Nurse’s group had a lot of trouble from the perimeter, with a success rate of 20% for shots from three points. The Sixers did much better, with 40%.
The Raptors have shown admirable resilience winning the previous two games, after ‘Philly’ took the lead 3-0 in the series.
They notably won 103-88 on Monday in Pennsylvania.
In NBA history, no club has erased a 3-0 deficit and reached the next round.
“It hurts for sure, said Boucher, about the outcome. I think it will take me a few weeks to get a better look at the season.
“The group of guys here are great. Winning two games after 0-3 showed all the character we have.
“The coaches motivate us to give the maximum every night, whether it’s the starters or the reserves. »
Raptors point guard and often heartthrob Fred VanVleet missed a second straight game with a sprained left hip.
The packed house of 19,800 included Maple Leafs players Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner, Alexander Kerfoot and Wayne Simmonds, among others,
The Sixers will face the Miami Heat in the second round.
