Like the Lakers, the Sixers just can’t do it…

We point the finger at the poor record of the Lakers, but on the other side of the United States, another “candidate” for the title is doing little better. These are the Sixers who have a one-for-four record, and like the Lakers, the manner and attitudes are not there. Last night in Toronto, the team disappointed again, unable to offer a good defensive filling or to rely on their strengths in attack. Something to annoy Doc Rivers, who is perhaps no longer the man for the job.

“I think we can win games, but we won’t win many games until we play well every night,” said the Philly coach. “That is to say until we do the right things and adopt the right habits: play at the right pace, spread the game, move the ball, share the ball…”

On Wednesday’s meeting, four players evolved to their true level: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden and De’Anthony Melton. The rest disappointed, and Rivers resents his players for not serving Embiid enough.

“I thought Joel (Embiid) had a clear advantage. I believe we didn’t give him the ball four or five times at the start of the game. Whereas every time he touched it, something good happened” regrets Rivers.

Is Doc Rivers still the man for the job?

For James Harden, the problem is not offensive but defensive, and more particularly the defense on the transition game. Here is what he explained after the loss to Boston.

“We gave them too many points on the transition game, basically we gave them more than 20… The game is played on that. We give too many easy baskets to a team that has just gone to the NBA Finals, and that has been playing together for years. It makes things even more difficult for us.”

A week later, the finding remains the same, and whether in attack or defense, the Sixers suffer from a problem of slowness. Here is what Doc Rivers said Monday, after the victory over the Pacers.

“At least 10 times, we failed to respond to their transition game, and they took advantage of it. This is therefore a point that needs to be improved. Especially when Tobias, PJ and Joel are on the field early in the game. The speed of the game, at times, can be a handicap for us, and we have to watch that. »

It’s as if the Sixers were built to play in the playoffs, when most of the game is on the half court. Except that there are 82 regular season games before, and it’s everywhere. These Sixers lack enthusiasm and energy, and it starts from the starting five where only Tyrese Maxey accelerates the game. It may also start from Doc Rivers himself, whose record has not been very famous since his arrival. Is he still a coach adapted to current basketball? Can he succeed without using his bench?

Explains to him that it’s just a matter of effort.

“We will see how it goes and we will certainly be better in this area as the season progresses, but in the meantime we must be able to win games thanks to our efforts” assures Rivers. “I think the Raptors had a lot more energy than us tonight. Friday will be ours. We lost, we got our butts kicked. They were more physical and we will see how we respond to them. »

Because Friday, same opponent, same room, and indeed, we will see if the message is passed or if the Sixers will turn the other cheek.