Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 3 dominance vs. Raptors

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 2: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Defense

After such a stout defensive showing in Game 2, the 76ers carried their momentum to Game 3, where they once again limited a potent Raptors offense.

Toronto shot only 42.2 percent from the field while hitting on seven of its 27 looks from the 3-point line. This was a far cry from a team ranked fifth and sixth in those categories during the regular season, respectively, thanks in large part to a Philly unit that seems to be finding its groove at the perfect time.

The Sixers were a middle-of-the-pack defensive team during the regular season, ranking 14th in defensive rating and 19th in opposing points per game. Yet they have all the personnel to function as one of the best in that department.

Guys like Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Jimmy Bulter can switch just about everything in guarding up to four positions. Joel Embiid is one of the most intimidating rim protectors, as evidenced by Toronto’s 36 points in the paint compared to Philly’s 52. Even J.J. Redick is an intelligent veteran with an understanding of where he has to be at all times.

The key for this team has also been a lack of consistent energy and desire, which wasn’t the case in Game 3. Guys were closing out hard and multiple rotations were made on a single possession. It’s not the sexiest part of the game, but such an effort is what can ultimately put the Sixers over the top in these playoffs.