The Toronto Raptors continued a challenging stretch of their schedule tonight, facing the Philadelphia 76ers on the second night of a back-to-back, this time on the road. After coming apart at the seams despite an early lead against Boston, the Raptors’ intention to move on was thwarted by a Sixers team that handed the Raptors a similar loss. A significant early lead dwindled by the half, ultimately leading to Toronto falling, this time 112 to 123.
To no surprise, Philly’s big names of Joel Embiid
(20 points), Jaylen Brown (18 points), VJ Edgecombe (15 points), and TJ Maxey (27 points) carried the Sixers. Anfernee Simons was their most productive bench player, offering clutch long-range shooting that gave the rest of the team space to operate, finishing with 17 points in the process.
Toronto saw excellent performances from RJ Barrett who finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, Immanuel Quickley who had 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Collin Murray-Boyles chipping in 14 points, 4 assists, and 5 blocks.
The Raptors had their hands full early, needing to answer for a number of offensive weapons on a Sixers team that is building plenty of hype for a championship contender. They didn’t need to face LeBron James who sat due to sciatica, but the remaining four of their starters remained a formidable challenge.
Toronto targeted Embiid early, forcing him into awkward defensive coverages that required speed and lateral movement that he struggled with as a result of his laundry list of injuries. After knee-to-knee contact, Embiid briefly visited the locker room but returned a few minutes later.
RJ and Quickley were quick to answer their less-than-savory performances last night. Quickley worked hard to distribute the ball and get everyone going early while RJ hit a pair of threes on consecutive possessions.
Just like last night, their offense was running smoothly. They built a significant 33-16 lead, and it felt like everything was going in the Raptors’ favour until in the final two minutes of the frame, the tide slowly started to turn. Philly went on an unanswered 8-point run to close the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Sixers were able to close the gap and draw ahead, making much of the second frame a back-and-forth contest.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Anfernee Simons showed their abilities from beyond the arc, creating spacing for the Sixers’ starters to operate in the paint where they’re comfortable. Tyrese Maxey was almost unstoppable from virtually everywhere on the floor. Jaylen Brown started to come alive as well, an equally challenging offensive player to find an answer for.
Toronto had contributions from everyone, with CMB, Barrett, Martin, and Battle all making long range shots. Their ball movement helped limit poor shot selection, and even when they were missing shots, Walter stood out as having a motor, with a phenomenal put-back that showed the Raptors were going to fight through the fatigue. By the end of the half, the game was all tied up.
The third quarter mirrored the second, going blow-for-blow with Philly. Ties and lead changes riddled the period, with neither team able to build any kind of momentum or separation.
Alijah Martin has impressed with his continued active defence and fearless scoring, willing to take the ball through anyone. At times, the minutes with mostly bench players on the floor actually felt more cohesive and productive than without.
Despite best efforts, Philly’s top four firepower was hard to contend with. Late in the third, a series of costly turnovers allowed the Sixers to get out in transition, managing a 8-0 run to build their largest lead, a 9-point advantage before the final twelve minutes of play.
Toronto’s fatigue might have played a role as this game started to get away from them. Second effort isn’t enough when you’re struggling to make second and third shots, and despite their effort, a lot of them rolled off the rim and couldn’t be recovered. Murray-Boyles’ effort, however, should be celebrated. On one end, he was blocking shots and playing tough defence, and on the other, good screening and off-ball movement helped him be a standout on the court.
In the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome Philly, and Toronto continues to seek their first win against a team over 0.500. Next, they’ll face New York twice, with the first of the matchups on Sunday at 6 pm.
