The Sixers seemed to be in the driver's seat for most of the first half yesterday. I had even commented at one point that I wouldn't doubt it if they won by 15+. Then, Joel Embiid went into the locker room and when he eventually did return he looked like a shell of himself. Jo would end up going 0-12 in the second half, costing the Sixers their lead and eventually the game.
I can't help but think about who should've stepped up in the final moments of that game when our star clearly couldn't get it done. My first thought is Ben Simmons. However, Ben's poor shooting (both from the floor and the line) makes him a less than ideal candidate. Then I think about Seth. Our star 3-point shooter who has been good but very streaky throughout the year. I could see the ball in his hand at the end of the game, but his size and ability to create a shot for himself may not be the best for the team.
The clear answer is Tobias Harris. Tobi has had a few very good games as a Sixer, but more games where he is just consistently slightly above average. I am a big Tobi fan, however I am not sure if he has been worth the max contract we gave him. If he would've taken over last night and won that game for us, that definitely could've changed my mind about his deal. He has all of the skills to dominate a game by himself. The sharp shooting from 3 and midrange, ability to create space, and size to finish at the rim.
When your star player can't get it done someone else has to step up and do it themselves. Last night for the Sixers, that just wasn't the case. Series is tied 2-2 with the next 2 games in Philly. Look for Joel Embiid to come back next game hot out of the gate and ending with a 40-15-5 kind of game.
Comment below who you think should've stepped up in place of JoJo last night!