The Raptors’ dream of becoming the first team in NBA history to overturn a 3-0 series deficit crumbled to dust Thursday in Toronto when the Philadelphia 76ers eliminated them in Game 6 with a victory of 132 to 97.
In troubled waters after three games, the NBA’s only Canadian squad showed character, first avoiding the sweep, then forcing a sixth game by winning in Pennsylvania. However, the task was too heavy.
Despite what the final score may suggest, the crowd favorites were in on the action for half the game. The two teams traded the lead several times in the first two quarters, so the visitors retreated to the locker room with a lead of just one point.
The 76ers, however, returned to the floor with the knife between their teeth, they who dominated the Raptors 37 to 17 in the third quarter, among other things, thanks to a push of 17 points without reply. Nick Nurse’s men never recovered.
Joel Embiid once again thwarted the opposing plans to counter him, he who completed the duel with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Just like the big center, James Harden and Tobias Harris had a double-double each. The former had 22 points and 15 assists, while the latter had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey was no slouch, finishing with 25 points.
As for the Raptors, Chris Boucher had an exemplary game and he was the most productive Raptor with 25 points, in addition to adding 10 rebounds. Pascal Siakam did try to support him, with 24 points, but in vain.
The logic is respected
By winning, the 76ers completed the NBA’s Second Round playoff portrait in the Eastern Conference. The logic was respected, since the teams ranked first to fourth all won their case in the first round.
Thus, the 76ers (4th) will face the Miami Heat (1st), while the defending champions, the Milwaukee Bucks (3rd) will be opposed to the Boston Celtics (2nd).
Chris Paul leads Suns to next round
Chris Paul had his eye on Game 6 of the series between the Phoenix Suns and the Pelicans in New Orleans. By not missing any of his 14 shots, the veteran allowed the Arizona team to advance to the second round with a 115-109 victory.
“CP3” had 14 shots, including one from downtown, to finish the game with 33 points. Let’s just say the 36-year-old picked the right moment for his best crop of the season. The Suns, finalists last year, got their money’s worth against the much-neglected Pelicans.
Trailing by 10 points at halftime, Phoenix came from behind and finished strong with nine more points in the fourth quarter.
The first seed in the West will face the Dallas Mavericks or the Utah Jazz in the conference semifinals.
