Instant analysis: Sixers blow 22 point lead in London as complacency sets in

USATSI_10537372_168382939_lowres

Things started off brilliantly for Philadelphia. A red-hot Redick burst out of the gate hitting 4/6 shots from beyond the arc…but then things started to slow down. It was a gradual climb, but the Celtics forced their way back into the game from 22 points down to eventually eclipse the Sixers, sweeping the series so far. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Kryptonite?
Embiid had a quiet outing against the Celtics last time around and this game was no different. The budding All-Star was often double teamed and found himself in tricky situations with no signs of an offensive run forming. 10 boards helped the Sixers on the defensive end, but Embiid was kept sternly away from the hoop on the other side of the court.

 

Turnover, anyone?
19 turnovers. That’s the name of the game here. The Sixers made too many mistakes in the second half and tried to force the same style of play that guided them to a dominant lead early on. While the Celtics adapted and began running their offense through their own rookie superstar, the Sixers were unable to do so and were left looking confused and complacent.

Loco RoCo?
Robert Covington?  He went 2/8 in his 28 minutes played. A disappointing outing left Covington looking nearly invisible on the floor at times as his sudden resurgence was smothered by Boston.

 

A carryover?
After watching both (very relaxed) practices, to me it was clear that the Celtics were more dialed in. Philadelphia arrived in London just hours before their first Tuesday practice, getting no sleep before they hit the court. The Celtics however came in from the first few minutes of practice and picked up the intensity. On day two it was simply a shooting clinic. As for the Sixers, their second practice was spent trickshotting. I’d hate to attribute an entire game to that, but it could have certainly played a factor given the nature of the trip.

 

Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports