Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 4 loss vs. Raptors

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Jimmy Butler #23, Tobias Harris #33, Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Here are the biggest takeaways from this disappointing loss.

For the second straight season, the Philadelphia 76ers finished with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. For the second straight season, they produced over 50 wins.

Additionally, the Sixers finished off their first round playoff opponent in five games. After being eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of last year’s playoffs, Philadelphia was hoping to take the next step this year.

Up 2-1 against the second-seeded Toronto Raptors, the Sixers had a chance to take a stranglehold on the series going into Game 4. With the Raptors’ backs against the wall and the Sixers seeking to move within one win of a conference finals appearance, it was only befitting that the teams were tied through the first 36 minutes of action in a seesaw battle that continued into the fourth quarter.

With the Raptors clinging to a 91-87 lead, Sixers guard J.J. Redick knocked down a 3-pointer to trim the deficit to one point. Following a missed layup by Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard hit a 3-pointer to give Toronto a 94-90 lead.

Danny Green, who went a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe, hit four free throws from there, helping the Raptors come away with a 101-96 victory. Leonard paced the Raptors with 39 points, while Jimmy Butler led the Sixers with 29 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, Butler’s effort wasn’t enough to prevent the Raptors from recapturing home-court advantage heading back to Toronto. Here are the biggest takeaways from the Sixers’ disappointing loss in Game 4.