Doc Rivers Makes Claim about Playoff Failures in Philly Return

In the high-stakes world of NBA playoffs, every decision, every play, and every possession can be dissected with the razor-sharp precision of a seasoned analyst. Doc Rivers, now at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks, found himself revisiting a critical juncture from his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers during his return to Philly. The spotlight was on Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics in 2023, a game that Rivers believes slipped through their fingers due to one key factor: Joel Embiid not receiving the ball enough.

The narrative of that fateful game is etched in the minds of 76ers fans: a 3-2 series lead, a home-court advantage, and the tantalizing prospect of closing out the series. Yet, the Sixers faltered, managing a meager 13 points in the final quarter and ultimately losing the game 95-86. Rivers, reflecting on the loss, didn’t mince words. “I didn’t think Joel got the ball enough. Trust me, it was for him to get it and he didn’t get it,” he stated, adding a layer of mystery to the situation with, “I don’t know how healthy he was.”

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Embiid’s performance in Game 6, while impressive overall with 26 points and 10 rebounds, was hindered in the final quarter where he scored just six points on 3-of-6 shooting. The game plan, as Rivers pointed out, was designed for Embiid to be the focal point, yet the execution fell short. This admission from Rivers has sparked a flurry of reactions, with some fans interpreting his comments as a veiled critique of Embiid’s former co-star James Harden, while others call for greater accountability from Rivers himself.

The discourse surrounding Rivers’ coaching decisions is not new. His playoff record has been a topic of intense scrutiny, with a championship in 2008 being a distant memory compared to recent outcomes. Rivers’ latest remarks have only fanned the flames of fan criticism, with many quick to highlight his tendency to shift blame post-defeat.

Despite the controversy, Rivers’ return to Philadelphia was not without its triumphs. His Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 30 points, secured a convincing 119-98 victory over a Sixers team missing the very centerpiece of the Game 6 debate, Joel Embiid. The win marked an improvement for the Bucks under Rivers’ guidance, moving them to a 5-7 record since the All-Star break.

As the Bucks look forward to their next game, Rivers’ reflections serve as a reminder of the razor-thin margins that define playoff basketball. The Sixers’ early exit last year, and Embiid’s role in it, continues to be a subject of analysis and speculation. Rivers’ comments, whether seen as excuses or insights, highlight the ever-present pressure on NBA coaches and players to perform when it matters most. The question remains: will Rivers’ current stint with the Bucks rewrite the narrative, or will it be another chapter in a saga of ‘what could have been’?