By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers were on a two-game win streak as they entered a tough two-game series with the Toronto Raptors. Philly needed a little more offensive power as they fell victim once again to a high-powered three-point performance. They fell to the Raptors 110-103.

It looked good early on for the Sixers they got guard/forward Ben Simmons back. He immediately made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He scored 28-points and created a lot of shots for his teammates. Unfortunately the Sixers were not able to take advantage of the shots he created. Especially from three-point range. They hit 11/37 of their three-pointers. They could not make Toronto pay for doubling Embiid and Simmons.

The Raptors were able to take full advantage of their opportunities though. They hit 14 three-pointers, and were able to limit Embiid’s effectiveness by throwing enough bodies at him to make it difficult. The game turned around for the Raptors when late in the third quarter forward/center Chris Boucher hit three timely threes to tie the game. In the fourth quarter Toronto was able to take back the lead and hold on. They were not only powered by Boucher, but also guard Fred VanVleet and forward Pascal Siakim. Both combined for 46 of the Raptors 110-points.

Philly will have another opportunity against Toronto on Tuesday night and they will need to find a way to improve the perimeter defense. Despite having Simmons back the defense did not get better. Philly will need to get a better performance from somebody not named Embiid or Simmons as well. If they want to beat Toronto.