After taking the first three games of the series, the Sixers came back down to earth with a 110-102 loss in Toronto on Saturday. The Sixers were not able to defend Pascal Siakum all night, as he got to the free-throw line 15 times and hit 13 of them. Pascal ended the game with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists to go along with two blocks, and a steal on the defensive end. Joel Embiid struggled to make his mark on the game and was held to 21 points on 16 shots. Harden was able to get his teammates involved and ended with 9 assists, however, Harden and Maxey shot a combined 9-29 from the field. Harden and Maxey struggled to catch an offensive rhythm and along with an off night from Embiid was just too much for the Sixers to overcome. Joel Embiid was clearly not happy with the officiating as he mockingly clapped for them as he left the court and post-game stated, “I’m going to take my own advice and not complain about fouls,” he said, “but like I was doing at the end of the game: They did a great job. I admire the job that they did today. To me, it felt like they had one job coming in here tonight. And they got it done. Congrats to them, tonight.” In playoff games officiated by Scott Foster, James Harden is 0-8. Refereeing aside, the Sixers need to all around make more shots and find a way to stop the high pick and roll giving Pascal a highway to the basket. Game five is set for Monday night as the Raptors look to keep their momentum with players getting healthy. One thing is certain, however. If the Sixers become the first team in NBA history to lose a series after leading 3-0, Doc Rivers will be out of a job.
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