Five Takeaways From Sixers’ Game 6 Clunker of a Loss to Celtics

Five takeaways from the 76ers’ 95-86 home loss to the Celtics in Game 6 of their second-round series on Thursday.

1. Well, the Sixers really blew it. There’s no other way to spin it. You have a closeout game at home … and don’t close it out. These are the things that make you want to change the roster yet again.

2. Granted, the Sixers have another chance. But Game 7 on Sunday is in Boston. The Sixers won Game 5 in Boston. Does anyone really think they can do it again?

3. I for one think they can. But it’s admittedly a long shot.

4. James Harden (13 points) has mostly been fantastic in this series. But when the Sixers needed him most, he failed to deliver. Unless you think 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-6 on 3-pointers makes for a good night.

5. Joel Embiid (26 points, 10 rebounds) and Tyrese Maxey (also 26 points) had nice showings. But where was the bench? Philadelphia’s reserves were outscored 25-11 — and Boston only used two guys!

Bonus thoughts:

6. This is majorly disappointing if you’re a Philadelphia fan. The diamond was right there, within reach, and then the Sixers came out and fell flat on their faces.

7. Embiid seemed frustrated, and he should be. “We stopped moving the ball,” he told reporters. “I don’t think I touched the ball the last 4 minutes of the game. Missed a lot of good looks. I didn’t touch the ball, though.”

8. Basically, it’s win Game 7 and leave this one in the dust, or start thinking about roster changes. If Harden really wants to go back to Houston, you should be able to arrange some sort of sign-and-trade. There really is no middle ground for Philly. It’s either now or never.