Joel Embiid, Sixers dominate in huge win over Raptors

Your Philadelphia 76ers made a statement Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center. 

"We got a lot more to give," Joel Embiid said. "We have a chance to accomplish something special and that's what I'm focused on."

If you don't think they're legitimate Eastern Conference contenders, you need your eyes checked. They dominated the Raptors in Game 3 116-95 to take a 2-1 series lead. 

Kawhi Leonard might've been unstoppable for most of the game—despite a valiant effort by Ben Simmons and company—but the best teams usually win in postseason basketball. The key word is TEAMS. The Sixers have been the best team through three games, and could very well be the better one when this series is all said and done, as I predicted they will be. My thought process of how this series is progressing has been near perfect so far. ​

Here are my observations from Thursday night's win. 

Welcome Back, JoJo 

Embiid returned to MVP form in Game 3—getting the looks he desired against Marc Gasol and anyone that dared to guard him. Embiid was also sharp defensively by blocking shots and getting rebounds. He finished with a game-highs of 33 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. He was 12-for-13 from the foul line and nine-for-18 from the floor. 

The highlight of Embiid's night was an absolutely unreal windmill dunk in the fourth quarter.  

EMBIID GOES WINDMILL ✈️ pic.twitter.com/lCNY73eFCJ

"When I have fun, my game just changes," Embiid said. "If don't smile during a game, I'm either having a bad game or I'm not into it." 

The number one key going into Game 3 was getting Embiid back to form, especially against declining 34-year-old Marc Gasol. That certainly happened. 

Leonard might've been sensational again, but Embiid was the star of the game. 

ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "When Joel is right physically, do you feel like you have the best player in this series?"

Brett Brown: "Yes." 

Enough said. 

Starting 5 Showing Its Capabilities 

At his pregame press conference, Brown talked about the growing chemistry amongst his starters, something that was called into question prior to the postseason because of their lack of time together. 

Game 3 showed what Brown was talking about. The ball movement has improved drastically from Game 1 against Brooklyn in the first round.  Their assist to field goal ratio was phenomenal. The ability for them to produce in either transition or the half court is spectacular. 

Jimmy Butler finished with 22 points and nine assists. JJ Redick scored 15. Tobias Harris dropped 13 and Simmons score 10 points with seven assists. 

"Chemistry is overrated," Embiid said. "When you have great basketball players on the floor it's easy. It's not that complicated. 

Toronto's Depth? 

Speaking of that, Toronto's depth was considered a strength coming into this postseason and series. I don't see what people are talking about. Other than Leonard, Pascal Siakam and, at times, Kyle Lowry and Danny Green, the Raptors are getting contributions from no one else, especially their bench. 

Meantime, James Ennis III, Greg Monroe and Mike Scott are providing solid minutes for Philadelphia. 

To summarize—every member of the Sixers starting five reached double figures scoring before the fourth quarter, while the Raptors production came predominantly from two guys. In addition to that, I'll take the Sixers reserves over Toronto's any day of the week.  

Brutal Officiating or Sixers Fouling Too Much? 

Things calmed down in the second half, but the first half officiating was out of control—calling ticky-tac fouls on both ends to the floor. 

While the 76ers defense was excellent, they probably could do a better job fouling less. But, the officials certainly didn't help. 

The number one goal of a ref should be don't become part of the game. They were in the first two quarters. 

Scott Foster and company were not on the top of their game. 

Punishment Coming For Simmons? 

In the second half, Siakam got called for a flagrant one for tripping Embiid. 

Pascal Siakam received a Flagrant 1 for tripping Joel Embiid ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ECEqsixq8E

But, Simmons might've gotten away with something likely flagrant worthy in the first half, when he appeared to elbow Lowry in the groin.

Ben Simmons and Kyle Lowry got tangled up under the basket, with Simmons catching Lowry in the groin with an elbow #NBAPlayoffs--: @espnpic.twitter.com/Q0QdsKVSei

It will be interesting to see if the NBA assesses a flagrant of some sort to Simmons after the fact. Lowry said postgame that Simmons said it wasn't intentional. The Raptors point guard sounded ready to move on. 

Simmons got a technical foul in the second half for blocking a deal ball back into the direction of Siakam. 

Unbelievable Atmosphere 

I lost track how many times I heard someone say that Thursday night was the biggest 76ers game in 18 years, since Allen Iverson led the team to The Finals. 

"Nothing's louder than Philly," Simmons said. "There's a lot of love.

"We love coming home to play here. The fans are amazing, even when they boo."

Simmons made that last comment with a smile, but the fans' energy certainly supported the notion that it was the biggest game since Iverson suited up against the Lakers in June 2001. 

A loud "Let's Go Sixers" chant started without solicitation prior to player introductions. The 76ers choice of bell ringers—Carson Wentz, Rhys Hoskins and James van Riemsdyk—certainly pleased the paying customers. 

Carson Wentz, Rhys Hoskins and JVR tonight's bell ringers #Sixers#Raptors #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/xHM9b0MDqa

And the fan engagement during the game was excellent—as good as its been since A.I. willed this franchise to an Eastern Conference Championship. Iverson himself loving every second of the over two hour party that took place in South Philadelphia Thursday night. 

Come for @JimmyButler's jamStay for @alleniverson's reaction --#PhilaUnite | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/NkOhQPdIwC