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Sixers-Raptors observations: Joel Embiid still struggles to produce against Marc Gasol

The Toronto Raptors defeated the 76ers, 108-95, Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at Scotiabank Arena.

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives for the layup as 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the second half of Game 1 of a Eastern Conference semifinal series on Saturday.
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives for the layup as 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the second half of Game 1 of a Eastern Conference semifinal series on Saturday.Read moreFrank Gunn / AP
    by Keith Pompey
    Updated 
    Published 

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors defeated the 76ers, 108-95, Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at Scotiabank Arena.

Here are some observations and best and worst awards:

Three observations

- Joel Embiid still struggles to be productive against a sound defender in Marc Gasol. The Sixers’ two-time All-Star is regarded as the NBA’s best center. But he often struggles against solid the Raptors center. And this was no different, as Embiid made just one shot while guarded by the former defensive player of the year. He also had a tough time getting his spot regardless of who guarded him.

- The Sixers had a tough time contending with the Raptors’ size and length. That led to Philly struggling to get shots and led to committing turnovers on offense. The Raptors’ length led to mismatches for Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam when Toronto had the ball.

- The Sixers will need more production from Jimmy Butler. The Sixers standout swingman wasn’t a factor from the second quarter on. After making 3 of 5 shots in the first quarter, Butler went 1-for-7 the rest of the way. He also struggled on the defensive end.

- Leonard is the best the all-around player in the NBA. The only reason he’s not in the league MVP conversation is due to missing 22 games in the regular season. But the three-time All-Star and two-time defensive player of the year showed on this night why he would have been the front-runner with more games played.

Best and worst awards

- Best performance: This was an easy one. Leonard gets it after finishing with 45 points and 11 rebounds to record his second double-double of 2019 postseason. He and Vince Carter are the only players in franchise history to score at least 40 points in a playoff game.

- Worst performance: This goes to Embiid based on what was at stake. The standout made just 5 of 18 shots on a night the Sixers needed him to be productive. The Sixer finished with 16 points and eight rebounds while struggling make shots.

- Best defensive performance: Gasol had one block, but gets this for, once again, making things tough for Embiid.

- Worst statistic: This goes to the Sixers’ shooting 4-for-21 (19 percent) in the fourth quarter.

- Best statistic: This goes to the Raptors shooting 72.7 percent (16-for-22) in the first quarter.