Hoops Habit
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 5 vs. Celtics

By Simon Smith

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five after the game in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five after the game in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Sixers’ 3-point shooting a non-factor

Entering Game 3, the Sixers were averaging 30.5 attempts per game from long range during the postseason, which ranked fourth among all teams. However, as has been the case the majority of the series, their key contributors from long distance were unable to get going against the stingy Celtics defense.

A key component of their offense over the course of the season, the Sixers attempted just 21 shots from downtown in Game 5, converting on eight occasions. For the series, they shot at a 30.9 percent clip from long range, well below their 36.9 percent clip of the regular season.

The Sixers’ premier 3-point shooter, J.J. Redick, shot just 2-of-7 from long range, including a crucial miss with 1:11 remaining in the game that would’ve given the Sixers a five-point lead.

As can be expected, his miss was met with a flurry of activity on Twitter:

In particular, it was the key bench duo of Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova that again came up short for the Sixers. During their first round series win over the Miami Heat, this duo shot a combined 17-of-47 from distance, converting at a respectable 36.2 percent clip. Against the Celtics, they combined for just 8-of-30 from deep, or a 26.7 percent return.

In Game 5, Belinelli didn’t attempt a 3-point shot, being the first time he hadn’t attempt a long distance since shot since Nov. 5, when he was a member of the Atlanta Hawks. For his part, Ilyasova went on 1-of-3 from deep.