The Raptors are still in the running to snatch a place in the Top 4 in the East, which shows how exceptional the exercise by Nick Nurse’s troops has been. Still deprived of two holders this night (Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby), Toronto showed enough heart around a gala Pascal Siakam to overthrow Philadelphia in a shock to the tunes of the first round of the playoffs.
The Sixers started the game perfectly, relying on an exceptional outside 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 sound the revolt, with the help of a big defense.
After the 9-1 passed at the end of the first quarter to return to -5 (26-31), the locals then took the lead with a new big pass from Precious Achiuwa and a 3 + 1 from Malachi Flynn (40- 34). Shake Milton’s 3-point hot shot and Joel Embiid’s last basket, however, put Philly back in the lead at the break (56-60).
While the Sixers tried to escape on the return from the locker room, going so far as to count 7 points ahead of a 3-pointer from Danny Green (62-69), Toronto relied on a particularly inspired Pascal Siakam and aggressive. Author of 15 points at 7/9 in shooting in the period, the Cameroonian thus put his people back in the saddle 12 minutes from the end (87-85).
On their way, the Raptors concretized their highlight to move to +10 following the outside missiles of Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa and the two baskets in quick succession from Gary Trent Jr (99-89). In full confidence, Precious Achiuwa struck a new 3-point basket in first intention after having driven to the head of the racket (102-92).
Philly refused to abdicate, between Tyrese Maxey’s 7 straight points and Danny Green’s 3-point baskets to maintain the suspense (111-107). Pascal Siakam then used two new brilliant sequences, a finger-roll after a monumental feint on Joel Embiid and a 2 + 1 snatch after an offensive rebound validating his triple-double (118-111). In a Scotiabank Arena on fire, Toronto won 119-114!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Cameroon wins! The opposition between Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid was worth the detour, and it was finally inside the Raptors that took over, and in what way! “Spicy P” had undoubtedly ticked this last meeting in the regular season against his compatriot and had a malicious pleasure in torturing him, at the end of the match in particular, with the culmination of this feint which sent Joel Embiid in the clouds. Pascal Siakam may not have the aura of an Embiid in the NBA, but the 2019 champion proved on this confrontation that he had almost nothing to envy to the pivot of the Sixers! From this “match within a match”, it is undoubtedly Cameroon that finally emerged from it.
– A ring for Danny Green. Almost three years after the 2019 title, Danny Green has finally received his NBA championship ring. The Sixers fullback received his property from Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam before the game. An always nice moment which had the merit of boosting Danny Green, author of one of his best offensive games of the season (18 points at 6/7 at 3-points).
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Pascal Siakam. What a game from him! The Cameroonian released his second triple-double in five games which rewarded an extraordinary performance 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 hopes opponents.
✅ Precious Achiuwa. What a burst of energy on both sides of the floor! The Raptors inside found himself defending against the best opposing players, including James Harden, and 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 that held off a menacing Philly side almost to the end. In the process, his 3-pointer at the head of the racket which blew up the Scotiabank Arena with happiness. It’s his 9e game of the season at 30 points or more.
⛔ James Harden. Another sad evening from him in attack with an ugly 3/12 shooting. All the more problematic as his little comrades have put their shots. 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 moment in the “money-time”.
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (47-33) : Back-to-back against Houston tonight, before finishing the regular season on the New York side this Sunday.
Philadelphia (49-31): the Sixers receive Indiana this Saturday and will continue with Detroit, still at home.
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