The Playoffs have just Begun and the Sixers are Saying Play On

America is known for its patriotic sports fans and an unhealthy obsession for making big days for these sports holidays. For football it’s the Superbowl, Soccer is the World Cup, and Baseball has the World Series. Basketball’s big game starts with playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers are already on the right track during this round against the Miami Heat. This series consists of seven games. Out of the first four games, both teams have had two home games, fortunately, the Sixers tied up the series on Sunday night at the Wells Fargo Center taking the team into game five of their now three-game series. Philadelphia fans are thrilled to see their home team’s success as they continue to support their favorite athletes. Although just like Tyler Soto many fans were proved wrong after winning their last two games this week. Tyler says “I hate to be that guy man, but honestly we are in a very tough spot right now. If we lose the next game I think it’s over.” Fortunately for Tyler and Philadelphia fanatics, it’s not over.

Tyrese Maxey is a fan favorite this year for his explosive offense and unbelievable rookie experience. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps says that “Harden’s elite passing, coupled with the defensive attention Embiid commands, has given Maxey the room to thrive in ways few around the league could’ve anticipated.” Maxey’s scoring average jumped from eight points per game during his rookie year to 17.5 in 2022. Although Maxey isn’t the only improvement to the Sixers’ starting lineup this year. After being traded by the Rockets, James Harden has continued to gain respect from fans and peers as he contributed majorly to the 116-108 victory against the Heat in Game Four on Sunday night. Bucks County Courier Times Tom Moore says, “Harden could increase the Sixers’ chances of a long playoff run if he can keep scoring at a high level or if he can provide more consistent fourth-quarter baskets in close contests.”

Joel Ebmiid gives Philadelphia fans even more reassurance after Sunday night when he says, “I don’t think we’ve played our best basketball. We had too many turnovers and we missed a bunch of wide-open shots. Defensively, at times — especially at the end of the third quarter — we weren’t together. We got a lot of room to grow”. Speaking of Embiid we know that he suffered a mild concussion and right orbital fracture in Game Six against the Toronto Raptors, although he came back to finish the series injured and dropped 24 points casually on Sunday night as well. Embiid is another crucial player for the Sixers being a leading point scorer and defensive monster.

With Miami being the higher seed, the odds are not in favor of Philadelphia taking a victory in game seven. Based on past NBA statistics, there is a 26 percent chance of the away team, the Sixers, winning the seventh game. Although no one has fans like Philadelphia, will that be enough?