76ers Can't Overcome Shooting Woes

BOSTON -- When it came down to it, the 76ers lost this seven-game Eastern semifinal series to the Boston Celtics due to one main reason.

"We struggled to score," coach Doug Collins said after the Sixers were eliminated with Saturday's 85-75 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

In the seven games against the Celtics, the Sixers averaged 85.4 points and shot just 41.4 percent from the field.

The Sixers shot just 35 percent (28 for 80) in the Game 7 loss. Boston blocked six shots, compared to one for the Sixers.

Throughout the series the Sixers got open looks, but just couldn't hit shots. Game 7 was no different.

"Half of it is not making shots," said Lou Williams, who shot 2 for 9 in Game 7 and 26-77 (.338) for the series. "You've got to give credit to two defensive teams we played in the playoffs."

Chicago and Boston were No. 1 and No. 2 in the regular season in scoring defense, so any team would have had trouble.

Only two players shot 50 percent or better for the series, Elton Brand (26-51, .510) and Lavoy Allen (23-39, .590).

There is a lot to work with on this young team, but for the Sixers to take that next step, they have to show improvement from the perimeter.