Read our expert breakdown of the 76ers vs raptors game 1, including a recap of the final outcome, evaluation of team performance, and post-game reactions.
The first game of the playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors was one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season. With both teams vying for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, the game was sure to be a battle from start to finish.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the game and break down the key moments that led to the final outcome. We’ll also analyze the teams’ performances and discuss the impact of the game on their playoff hopes.
Before the game, both teams were evenly matched in terms of regular season records. The 76ers finished the season with a 51-31 record, while the Raptors finished with a 58-24 record. However, the Raptors had home court advantage for Game 1, which was expected to give them an edge.
The key players to watch out for in the game were Joel Embiid for the 76ers and Kawhi Leonard for the Raptors. Embiid had been dealing with a knee injury, but was expected to play. Leonard, on the other hand, had been dominant throughout the regular season and was expected to continue his strong play in the playoffs.
In terms of head-to-head comparison, the Raptors had won three of the four matchups against the 76ers during the regular season. However, the 76ers had made significant improvements to their roster since their last meeting, which was expected to make the game more closely contested.
The stage was set for an epic battle between two of the best teams in the East, and the game did not disappoint.
Game Highlights: A Thrilling First Half
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. The Raptors started strong and held a lead for most of the first quarter, thanks to the hot shooting of Danny Green and Pascal Siakam. However, the 76ers fought back and ended the quarter with a 26-23 lead.
The second quarter was equally exciting, with both teams trading baskets and making big plays. The 76ers went on a 10-0 run midway through the quarter, but the Raptors responded with a run of their own to end the half. At halftime, the score was tied at 50-50.
Notable performances in the first half included Kawhi Leonard, who had 13 points and 5 rebounds for the Raptors, and Joel Embiid, who had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the 76ers.
Second Half Action: A Game-Changing Performance
The third quarter of the game was where the Raptors began to pull away. They went on a 12-2 run early in the quarter, led by the dominant play of Leonard. The 76ers struggled to keep up and were outscored 37-17 in the quarter, giving the Raptors a commanding 87-67 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The 76ers made a valiant effort to come back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Raptors 21-11 in the first six minutes of the quarter. However, foul trouble for Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler hindered their efforts, and the Raptors ultimately held on for a 108-95 victory.
Key adjustments made by the Raptors in the second half included increased defensive pressure on the 76ers’ shooters and more aggressive play from Leonard. The 76ers struggled to find a rhythm in the second half and were unable to match the Raptors’ intensity.
Notable performances in the second half included Leonard, who finished with 45 points and 11 rebounds, and Siakam, who had 29 points and 7 rebounds for the Raptors. For the 76ers, Embiid finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Butler had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.