- Sixers up by 22 points in 2nd quarter, blow big lead in devastating loss to Celtics in Boston. 76ers have lost 20 + point lead five times this season. I was at the Golden State game last November when the Sixers were up by 24 points and choked to the Warriors. Young team that continues to be clueless how to finish games.
- Coach Brett Brown deserves a lot of criticism for the loss, which put the Sixers behind 0-2 in the series.He failed to call a time-out during the Celtics' run late in the 1st half when they deeply cut into the big lead. He failed to make adjustments and slow the game down to derail the Boston momentum. Brown also took out guard T.J. McConnell in the 4th quarter and put the ineffective Ben Simmons back in the game for the stretch run. Simmons ended up scoring an incredible stinking one point, whereas McConnell played well most of the game and gave the team some spark and energy.
Brown was again out-coached and seemed baffled and befuddled with the pressure and atmosphere of a playoff game on the road.
- Ben Simmons, the potential Rookie of the Year, only getting 1 point was a disgrace. The Celts backed off and wanted Simmons to shoot mid-range jumpers, taking away the lanes for Simmons to drive. Simmons needs to come back strong in Game 3 and beyond.
- Too many 3-point attempts, especially by Joel Embiid, who prefers to throw up long shots rather then play down on the block. Live by the three, die by the three.
- Young, inexperienced, undisciplined squad, at times the Sixers failed to hustle and seemed over-confident, especially after building the early lead.
- The intensity of the Philly- Boston rivalry is renewed. It will be even more clear as the years go by with both teams being so young. Hard to watch Jason Tatum when our no. 1 pick Fultz is on the bench.
- Boston is 36-0 all-time in playoff series when leading 2-0..The Sixers have never come back from an 0-2 playoff deficit. Bad odds. The two games in Beantown were hopefully a learning experience. The Sixers have only lost two games at home since Christmas. The Celts don't play well on the road. Boston held serve on their home court. Now the 76ers need to do the same. Return to Boston with the series tied 2-2 and take your chances.
I'm just afraid that emotionally the Sixers will be shot. Sure, the crowd will pump the team up on Saturday night. Let's see how this young team responds to adversity, and a do-or-die, must-win pair of games in Philadelphia. Giving away games, as they did Thursday night,will eventually kill them.
- Even if the Sixers lose this series, a series they were favored to win, they still have a bright future. This playoff experience can only help for the future.
- The Eagles picked up the option year on Doug Pederson's contract. Well-deserved that coach Pederson will be in Philly thru 2020.
- Defensive tackle Tim Jerrigan had recent back surgery and will be out 4-6 months. He may not be available for Week 1 of the season vs. Atlanta. Good thing the birds signed DT Ngata during the off-season.
- The Phillies start a big weekend series tonight in Washington. The Nationals are only 2 games behind the Phils. The hot, young braves now lead the NL East. Nick Pivetta starts against his old team tonight. Vince Valasquez goes Saturday, with a Jake Arrieta vs. Max Scherzer duel on Sunday.
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