CAMDEN, N.J.–The Philadelphia 76ers were up big late in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors, and the game was basically in hand late as the Sixers were moving on to the next round.
Despite Philadelphia being up by 27 with less than five minutes to go, Joel Embiid was still out there for the Sixers. He was dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb and it seemed as if it was now time to pull him from the game and prepare for the next series.
Still on the floor, Embiid had a slam and he pulled out the airplane celebration in Toronto. The Raptors fans were not happy about it and the Raptors didn’t appear happy about it either as Pascal Siakam drove and elbowed Embiid in the face.
That resulted in the big fella suffering an orbital fracture and a concussion which leaves him out for at least Game 1 with the Miami Heat and there is no timetable for his return. The question then becomes why was Embiid out there in the first place?
“It wasn’t four minutes left and 29 points,” said coach Doc Rivers. “He scored the bucket to make it 29. Everyone was in. The other team had all their guys in. The last five minutes of the game, we made the run the last minute of that game right before that. That’s how we got up 29.”
In the playoffs, things can change in the blink of an eye. The Sixers have also blown big leads in the past. Therefore, leaving Embiid on the floor was a bit of a cautious move to ensure they get the win.
“After Joel made the shot and did the airplane, if you watched the game, I turned and said I’m calling a timeout the next possession,” Rivers added. “Not upset that he was in. You can make that a big deal if you want, but just go look at every team and every game and their guys are in until about the three or four minute mark.”
Naturally, as a head coach, Rivers has some second-guessing after the injury to Embiid, but there’s nothing he can do about it now.
“All the time,” he said. “All the time. On plays, I drew up the greatest play in the world and a guy misses the shot, I say ‘darn it, I wish I would’ve had someone else shoot that’. Unfortunately in coaching, you can’t wait 24 hours to make a decision.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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