The season’s biggest surprise came in a desperation trade deadline deal, that allowed the Wizards to pick up center Daniel Gafford. Gafford’s play was a welcome sight for a franchise that has struggled with finding effective centers.
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Playoff Bell Ringer: Sixers advance to second round with 129-112 Game 5 win
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Sixers Bell Ringer playoff standings:
Tobias Harris - 1
George Hill - 1
With Joel Embiid unavailable for Game 5, the Sixers shifted to small ball by inserting Matisse Thybulle in the starting lineup. Initially, the lack of rim protection hurt Philadelphia, with Bradley Beal (32 points) easily getting to the rim with frequency. The Sixers offense certainly looked perky, though, finishing the game 51.2 percent from the field and attempting 43 free throws (making 34). When the Wizards’ shots stopped falling in the fourth quarter (6-of-18 from the field in the final frame), the Sixers were able to pull away and start an early celebration on their way to a 129-112 victory. They now advance to the second round to face the Atlanta Hawks, but before we turn our attention to Trae Young and company, let’s choose our final Bell Ringer from the first round.