PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Everything went right for the 76ers in Game 3 of their playoff series with Atlanta.
With one exception.
The Sixers lost veteran Danny Green to a calf injury. Green will be sidelined for the next two to three weeks and won't play in the remainder of the series with Atlanta. Coach Doc Rivers knows losing Green is a big blow both on and off the court.
"That's a tough one," said Rivers. "Let's just be honest. Just spiritually for the whole team, too, because he's so important. He says so many good things around our guys. He's been through every possible playoff situation."
The Sixers were dominating in Game 3 and appear to be in control of the series. One of the reasons has been the play of the Sixers' bench, with a host of reserves making an impact. Matisse Thybulle says the backup brigade is used to a similar routine in practice.
"To wait six or seven minutes before coming in is the same thing [that] happens in practice every day over here in between drills," Thybulle said. "It's just a matter of staying mentally locked in so that your body can follow through when you get out there."
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One of those bench players will have to step into a starting role with Green sidelined. Rivers would not reveal who will take Green's place on Monday night. It will mean a new role for one of the current reserves, but Thybulle emphasized that everyone is able to adjust and that the remaining bench players will continue to provide a spark when the opportunity arises.
"Everyone needs to be ready to show up and do their part, especially just being a part of the second unit coming off the bench," said Thybulle. "Our job is to literally to be that spark, be that energy."
If the Sixers come away victorious in Game 4, they will have a chance to wrap up the series at home on Wednesday night. After back-to-back double digit victories, the Sixers appear to have the Hawks on the ropes. However, Rivers says this series has been anything but easy.
"We've had to challenge right now," Rivers said. "This is one of those series so far. Atlanta, they just create so many problems, you know, with their abilities and their ability to stretch the floor."