The Philadelphia 76ers were able to handle their business on Sunday night as they were able to grind out a 112-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. It wasn’t the prettiest win as they shot only 5-for-19 in the first quarter and just 30.8% at the half, but they had a better second half to get it done.
The win was a big one because the win clinches a playoff spot for the Sixers for the fifth consecutive season. It is the longest playoff streak for Philadelphia since 1998-2003 when they also made the playoffs five times in a row.
With that being said, just making the playoffs is not enough for this team. They have their eyes on a much bigger prize.
“I am happy, but that’s the assumption, but you got to do these steps to get to where you want to go,” said coach Doc Rivers. “The first step is getting in, we’re in. The second step is whoever we play and being ready for that.”
The @sixers have clinched a playoff berth for the fifth straight season, the longest such streak for the team since 1998-03 (five in a row).
h/t @Stathead https://t.co/vpHZwV96ja
— Sixers Stats (@SixersStats) April 4, 2022
Joel Embiid, who led the Sixers with 44 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks, they were able to get it done. However, in Embiid’s eyes, he wants something much bigger than just a playoff appearance.
“It’s cool,” said Embiid. “I’m sure a lot of people probably take it for granted, but it’s also you know, what we say what we want to accomplish so compared to that goal, which is to win a championship, you might sound like this is really nothing compared to the goal of actually because, if you go out before the season and you say that, even with everything that we had going on, I still believe in myself and I believe in my teammates that we could still win.”
With that being said, Embiid is happy to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
“When you go out before the season and you basically say that the goal is to win a championship, that’s what people look at, but it’s great,” he added. “Like I always say, it’s a blessing to be part of the playoffs once again.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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