Down the stretch, the performance by the 76ers was pathetic in Game 5 against the Hawks. Home court advantage, sold out stadium and a 20+ point lead and the 76ers still couldn't get it done. So many problems can be highlighted after the game but in my opinion the two that stand out are Doc River's rotations and Ben Simmons. First off, I still don't understand why Doc loves playing a bench dominant lineup for stretches throughout the game. A lineup with only Tobias Harris as the only starter on the court is a recipe for disaster and it is proven every single time Doc puts them on the court. The bench has shown time and time again they are not reliable enough to hold a lead and Tobias is not good enough to carry them. There needs to be a minimum of two starters on the court at all times at this point in the playoffs. Secondly, Ben Simmons just needs to figure it out offensively. He is a 6' 10 athletically gifted point guard with good ball handling skills, how does he not look to get to the basket almost every single time he gets the ball. I understand Ben is a great playmaker for others but at some point he has to be able to put the ball in the basket himself and now is the time! And for the love of God have some confidence and hit some free throws. Tobias Harris does deserve some blame for his performance last night but he has been consistent for most of the playoffs.
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STOPI said it recently and I'll say it again, Ben needs to be better in game 6 and the lineup needs to be shortened in the second half in order to secure a victory. Call in the oxygen mask for Joel.
I've been defending Ben for so long now and I feel like I am now at my breaking point. In half court sets, he is a liability. I do not care anymore that he is a really good ball distributor because if the ball is not in his hands the Sixers are basically playing with 4 guys. Not only that, teams are taking advantage of him like they did with Shaq and just sending him to the line. He is not the only reason we are losing games, but he is definitely a big part of it.