Fansided

5 ways the 76ers can get back in the series

By Rucker Haringey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 5: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 5: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Simmons must protect the ball

Ben Simmons has taken plenty of criticism in this series, most of the focus being on his inability to score. The truth is his inability to protect the basketball has been just as problematic for the 76ers offense.

Simmons’ turnover rate in postseason play is a really ugly 23.7 percent. That’s far too high for a player with his talent. Brown can live with a few turnovers from his point guard, but he can’t give the Celtics so many easy baskets by making silly mistakes in the open floor.

Simmons either needs to commit his attention to avoiding turnovers or accept that he might not play the minutes he’d like. Expect the former to be his coach’s first suggestion. TJ McConnell is a nice backup point guard, but the Philadelphia offense can’t operate at maximum efficiency without Simmons at the controls.

In fairness, some of Simmons’ turnovers are the product of his lack of shooting confidence. If he pulls the trigger more often from the perimeter, it should help cut down his turnover percentage. No matter how he manages it, Simmons must protect the ball to give his team a chance to climb back in it against the Celtics.

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