Do the Sixers Need a Closer?
With five minutes remaining in the Sixers’ biggest game of the season, the Sixers looked like they were well on their way to a dominant win over the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Commanding a 12-point lead with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Sixers allowed a Laker 13-0 run to take a 106-105 lead with 11 seconds remaining.
Luckily, Tobias Harris saved the Sixers with a pure fadeaway jumper to win it for the Sixers.
Ever since Jimmy Butler took his talents to South Beach, the Sixers have not had a clutch end-of-game option to feed in a win-or-lose scenario. While Tobias hit the game-winner last night, it is still a major unknown if he could do it in the playoffs. Joel Embiid has the ability to, but will most certainly get double-teamed in the post in clutch time.
Can we rely on the coaching excellence of Doc Rivers to scheme up game-winning plays at the end of close games?
Maybe, but it would make Sixers fans feel more comfortable with a consistent shotmaker at those pressure-filled moments. Or maybe it can be just as simple as riding whoever has the hot hand to take the last shot.
In a potential precursor of an NBA finals matchup, the Sixers front office had to notice the team’s offensive struggles in the last five minutes. With Tobias’ jumper as the only points scored in the final three minutes, that will not get the job done against the top teams in the East.
Photo: —
Even in a win over the Lakers, could this push Morey to make a move at the trade deadline?
Does this give them more motivation to send a king’s ransom to Washington for Bradley Beal? Or Zach Lavine?
The best-case scenario for the Sixers is that Tobias Harris can continue to hit clutch shots in big games. Time will tell whether he can step up into that spotlight and push the Sixers into the top group of championship contenders.
For now, there is no reason to break up the Sixers starting lineup, as they have the best “clutch” record in the NBA at 8-1.
Featured Image: ---
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
