After the devastating loss in Game 4, know all about the challenge given emphasized by Philadelphia 76ers’ Coach Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons ahead of the upcoming game against Atlanta Hawks.
The Philadelphia 76ers made an 18-point lead slip from their grip while losing Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks. Having acquired such pace in the opening quarters, the away team’s form kept diminishing as the game went on.
With their marquee Spanish player, Joel Embiid struggling with insane knee injury, Head Coach Doc Rivers wants his other players to stand up more than ever, first of which is Ben Simmons.
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons: Who Could Simmons Lead Philadelphia 76ers?
After the tragic loss to Atlanta Hawks in game 4, Rivers emphasized upon the need for Simmons to be more aggressive. This doesn’t mean he shall shoot more often. Yet be able to move the ball better and faster and be the primary play-maker for the team.
He stated, “More aggressive if he’s talking about facilitating, yeah. Moving the ball up the floor with better pace. But not as far as shooting, or anything like that.”
Statistically speaking, when hen Ben Simmons is taking the lead on offense and setting up his teammates to perfection, the Philadelphia 76ers are unstoppable.
If you want proof of that, then look no further than Philadelphia 76ers’ 127-111 Game 3 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 5 Preview
After losing the first game, the Philadelphia 76ers were in a spot of bother. But up-stepped the entire team in the next two games to take a crucial 2-1 lead in this Eastern Conference semi-final series.
After which the latest game at State Farm Arena, the 76ers started beautifully, yet lost their way since the beginning of the third quarter and allowed the home team to run past their defense with ease. Within no time there lead was cut down.
Having said that, especially with Embiid suffering from a knee injury, it should be Simmons who should be the ideal facilitator for the 76ers in Game 5. If the Australian is able to pull off that role, then Philly surely has the chance to take the lead in this series again.