The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t make it easy on their fans Tuesday night.
After two great performances and much-needed wins over the weekend, the 76ers were treated to an absolute drubbing from the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
When the dust settled and all the damage was done, the 76ers lost, 120-85.
It was a painful night for Philly and meant they are now one game away from being eliminated from the playoffs.
This is one of the most awful performances I’ve seen the @sixers put forth in a long time. No effort whatsoever, from start to finished. Look like they just laid down, rolled over and said “we’ve got Game 6 on Thursday.” Guess they were looking for another overnight stay in Miami
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 11, 2022
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was disgusted by the performance from Philadelphia.
Taking to Twitter, Smith let it all out:
“This is one of the most awful performances I’ve seen the @sixers put forth in a long time. No effort whatsoever, from start to finished. Look like they just laid down, rolled over and said ‘we’ve got Game 6 on Thursday.’ Guess they were looking for another overnight stay in Miami.”
Is Smith being too hard or is his assessment of the 76ers accurate?
Philly Fails
The home team has won every single game during this series and Tuesday night was no exception.
However, the major margin of victory is very concerning for the 76ers.
In nearly every way, Miami was dominating.
They shot 53.6% from the field and out-rebounded Philly, 46-36.
They also turned 16 of Philadelphia’s turnovers into 23 points and kept the 76ers to just 36.5% from the field.
Philadelphia needs to do something to turn this series around.
If the pattern holds, they will win Game 6 in Philadelphia and once again tie the series.
But that means that the Heat will be the favorites to win Game 7 – and the series.
The Sixers need to change things up and crack the code of how to beat Miami, even on their homecourt.
NEXT: Joel Embiid Faltered When The 76ers Needed Him Most