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 05: Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) puts a shot up over Boston Celtics Center Al Horford (42) in the second half during the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 05, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 05: Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) puts a shot up over Boston Celtics Center Al Horford (42) in the second half during the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 05, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Get Embiid better shots

Make no mistake about it, Joel Embiid has been the 76ers’ best player in this series. But that doesn’t mean the massive center has done everything he can do to help his team.

If Embiid takes another 3-pointer in this series, it better be at the end of a shot clock. Embiid might become an excellent perimeter shooter in time, but it’s not happening for him in this series. Philadelphia’s coaching staff needs to make sure all of his shots come at the rim.

Al Horford is a terrific defender, but he shouldn’t have the size to keep Embiid off his spots in the block. Even if all Embiid does is turn and try to shoot over the Celtics center, he should find a great deal of success. He’s just a lot bigger than the former Hawks star.

Of course, Brad Stevens isn’t going to make this an easy thing for Philadelphia to accomplish. He’ll instruct his team to bang Embiid all over the floor. The Celtics will also help against the talented center whenever they can bring a double team.

Next: LeBron is King and the Raptors are doomed

Embiid is talented enough to block out everything the Celtics try to do in order to defend him. He is the 76ers’ biggest hope to pull a miracle in this series. If that’s going to happen, he must park himself in the paint and punish the Celtics defense at every opportunity.

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