The Philadelphia 76ers (6-19) lost to the Toronto Raptors (18-7) 123-114 and saw their winning streak end at two games. Last time the Sixers won three straight was during the 2013-14 season. It's been a while.
Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor started the game together with Okafor being the center and Embiid being the power forward. Depending on what you were hoping for, things went very well or fairly poorly as Okafor dominated in the first quarter with nine points while Embiid took only one shot from the field. In fact, Embiid seemed more quiet statistically than usual and it's a wonder if being paired with Okafor had something to do with it. There isn't a lot of minutes with them sharing the court to know for sure if this pairing is a problem, but it's something to look into moving forward.
Embiid got hurt and had to leave the game towards the end of the second quarter after getting hit in the eye. At this point, Sixers fans either died or nearly died holding their breath for an update. But all was well as he started the 3rd quarter.
The Sixers went toe to toe with the Raptors for the first half, providing a serious challenge for the top road team in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers were able to hold the Raptors' offense (possibly the best offense in the league) in the first quarter but the Sixers' defense was like a cracked dam and it burst during the second quarter.
Two times in the 4th quarter, the Sixers came back to make a game out of no game. Honestly though, it was more of the Raptors toying around with their opponent. But, the Sixers are a team that doesn't quit and will keep knocking on the door. If you let up your pressure on them, they will find that opening and will attempt to get through it.
The Sixers were led in scoring by Robert Covington with 26 points. He also 12 rebounds. Wow. But the Sixers were met with the 3D effect: DeMar DeRozan Destruction. He went on to score 31 points on 61.1 percent shooting.
The Sixers' next game is Friday against the Lakers.
