CAMDEN, NJ–The Philadelphia 76ers are in a bit of trouble at the moment as they prepare for Game 4 with the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon. After an impressive Game 1 win, the Sixers have dropped two in a row and they find themselves down 2-1 in the series.
They cannot go back to Boston for Game 5 while being down 3-1 in the series. It would be a very tall order to come back and rally from that type of series deficit against this Celtics team.
As they got back to work on Saturday for a film session, things were said. Of course, the details of those words will not be revealed, but it was more of a lock at the moment for this team.
“I think the biggest thing was today, we were real with each other and that’s good,” said Tyrese Maxey. “Family has to be real with each other, they have to express themselves, they have to express their emotions that they’re feeling and you have to get it off your chest. I think we’ve done a great job at that all year.”
The Sixers have been a resilient bunch during the 2022-23 season. They have been able to overcome some tough obstacles that they would not have been able to in the past.
Game 4 will be another challenge for this team and that’s why having discussions like the one they had in the film session will help.
“A lot of people spoke up,” Maxey continued. “I think that trust comes from the coaches and coach Doc (Rivers). He lets guys speak their mind and there was a possession in the game where Paul Reed spoke his mind. Our vets kinda stepped in and told P-Reed like ‘Hey, in this circumstance, we need you to do this’ and that’s good. I think that’s very good communication that’s positive.”
When asked if any voices were raised, Maxey said they weren’t. They just had a real conversation in preparation for Game 4.
“Just grown men talking,” he finished. No voices raised. Just all very monotone. I think we have the ultimate respect for each other. Everybody knows how hard everybody works and how much everybody really wants to win. This team is very together so when one speaks up, it’s OK and everybody’s receptive of that.”
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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire