- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 431,717
- Reaction score
- 44
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their eighth straight game on Sunday when they fell to the Toronto Raptors 127-109 at home. The Sixers were once again missing so many key pieces as they continue to play out the string in the 2024-25 season.
The Raptors were able to finish off a season sweep of the Sixers as they took all four games form their Atlantic division rivals. While Toronto may have won the four games, the Sixers now don't have to worry much about the Raptors in terms of the lottery standings. Philadelphia is five games ahead of Toronto with seven games left to play.
Lonnie Walker IV had 23 points and seven assists for Philadelphia while Ricky Council IV added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jared Butler added 15 points and six assists, Adem Bona had 14 and eight rebounds, and Justin Edwards added 12 and seven rebounds. Jalen Hood-Schifino added 18 points and five assists off the bench.
Here are the biggest takeaways following the loss:
The Raptors drilled 17 triples compared to just eight for the Sixers. RJ Barrett and Jamison Battle hit four 3-pointers each as they were able to find a lot of success against this Sixers defense that has not been able to establish any type of cohesion throughout the year due to so many difference faces being in and out of the lineup. It also doesn't help that the Sixers don't have a consistent shooter to rely on at this point in time, but the 3-point shot was a big difference in this one.
"Well, the three-point shooting," coach Nick Nurse said after the loss. "They shot really well, and we didn’t, really is one of the big things I think. A little bit turnovers, as well. Obviously, and the offensive rebounding. They did the numbers game pretty good tonight– high turnovers for us, lots of offensive rebounds and hit the 3s, but again, I think Bona had a good night off the back-to-back which was good to see: blocks, protecting the rim. It was good to see Lonnie. I think Lonnie’s back and recovered, good to see as well and that was a better night in some respects for Hood-Schifino, as well, who has been struggling a little bit lately, as well. So that’s about it."
Most NBA people know Walker is a guy who can put the ball in the hoop. Everybody expects him to be able to take defenders off the dribble, turn a corner, and be able to finish over and through contact. However, he was able to show off other parts of his game on Sunday as he finished with seven assists. He led the Sixers in that department in this one and was able to show that he is more than just a scorer. That is what these final games are all about. Showing off your entire arsenal.
"Just understanding that the team we are playing, Toronto, they are a heavy shift team," Walker said of his high assist number. "Usually, when you are in the paint, there’s always someone in the corner, weakside corner, or if not, the wing, and things of that nature. Bona was in the right places at the right time 100% of the time, so just looking out for him as well. Truly just playing the right way. .5 (quick) decisions, being decisive. If I have a layup, take it, if someone is open, just making the simple easy pass, and let the rest fall out."
At this point in the season, the Sixers are just looking to finish out the string and be able to see what they have in their younger players. Bona was able to show off a little bit of everything against the Raptors as he shot 5-for-7 from the floor, pulled down eight rebounds, and he also blocked five shots. The energy Bona continues to play at every night is impressive and it's something that stands out about his game this late in the season. Maybe it's all those night sessions in the gym that have helped him figure it out going forward.
"That, at this point, might be a tradition for me," Bona said of his late nights in the gym. "I’ve been doing that since college. I go back in the gym at night. I just feel like it’s more peaceful, more clear minded. It’s time to pay more attention to detail. So, I’ve been doing that since college. I just go back, work on the things I need to work on--my touch, free throw, things that this team need me to do better. It’s just more peace of mind for me where it’s clear minded, no pressure, no anything. Just work on the game."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for 76ers following latest loss to Raptors at home
Continue reading...
The Raptors were able to finish off a season sweep of the Sixers as they took all four games form their Atlantic division rivals. While Toronto may have won the four games, the Sixers now don't have to worry much about the Raptors in terms of the lottery standings. Philadelphia is five games ahead of Toronto with seven games left to play.
Lonnie Walker IV had 23 points and seven assists for Philadelphia while Ricky Council IV added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jared Butler added 15 points and six assists, Adem Bona had 14 and eight rebounds, and Justin Edwards added 12 and seven rebounds. Jalen Hood-Schifino added 18 points and five assists off the bench.
Here are the biggest takeaways following the loss:
3-point difference
You must be registered for see images attach
The Raptors drilled 17 triples compared to just eight for the Sixers. RJ Barrett and Jamison Battle hit four 3-pointers each as they were able to find a lot of success against this Sixers defense that has not been able to establish any type of cohesion throughout the year due to so many difference faces being in and out of the lineup. It also doesn't help that the Sixers don't have a consistent shooter to rely on at this point in time, but the 3-point shot was a big difference in this one.
"Well, the three-point shooting," coach Nick Nurse said after the loss. "They shot really well, and we didn’t, really is one of the big things I think. A little bit turnovers, as well. Obviously, and the offensive rebounding. They did the numbers game pretty good tonight– high turnovers for us, lots of offensive rebounds and hit the 3s, but again, I think Bona had a good night off the back-to-back which was good to see: blocks, protecting the rim. It was good to see Lonnie. I think Lonnie’s back and recovered, good to see as well and that was a better night in some respects for Hood-Schifino, as well, who has been struggling a little bit lately, as well. So that’s about it."
Walker IV shows off his entire game
You must be registered for see images attach
Most NBA people know Walker is a guy who can put the ball in the hoop. Everybody expects him to be able to take defenders off the dribble, turn a corner, and be able to finish over and through contact. However, he was able to show off other parts of his game on Sunday as he finished with seven assists. He led the Sixers in that department in this one and was able to show that he is more than just a scorer. That is what these final games are all about. Showing off your entire arsenal.
"Just understanding that the team we are playing, Toronto, they are a heavy shift team," Walker said of his high assist number. "Usually, when you are in the paint, there’s always someone in the corner, weakside corner, or if not, the wing, and things of that nature. Bona was in the right places at the right time 100% of the time, so just looking out for him as well. Truly just playing the right way. .5 (quick) decisions, being decisive. If I have a layup, take it, if someone is open, just making the simple easy pass, and let the rest fall out."
Bona continues to be active
You must be registered for see images attach
At this point in the season, the Sixers are just looking to finish out the string and be able to see what they have in their younger players. Bona was able to show off a little bit of everything against the Raptors as he shot 5-for-7 from the floor, pulled down eight rebounds, and he also blocked five shots. The energy Bona continues to play at every night is impressive and it's something that stands out about his game this late in the season. Maybe it's all those night sessions in the gym that have helped him figure it out going forward.
"That, at this point, might be a tradition for me," Bona said of his late nights in the gym. "I’ve been doing that since college. I go back in the gym at night. I just feel like it’s more peaceful, more clear minded. It’s time to pay more attention to detail. So, I’ve been doing that since college. I just go back, work on the things I need to work on--my touch, free throw, things that this team need me to do better. It’s just more peace of mind for me where it’s clear minded, no pressure, no anything. Just work on the game."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for 76ers following latest loss to Raptors at home
Continue reading...
