Raptors Vs. 76ers Game 4 Takeaways: Pascal Siakam's Career Night Helps Toronto Avoid Sweep, Keep Season Alive

In Game 4 on Saturday afternoon, the Toronto Raptors extended their season by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 110-102. After winning the first three games of the series, the 6ers were unable to complete the cleanup, so the series will now return to Philadelphia for game five on Monday night. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors in the playoffs with 34 points while Gary Trent Jr. takes the lead. He added 24 points to Toronto. James Harden led the Sixers with 22 points while recent MVP Joel Embid added 21 points to Philadelphia.

Toronto were a more motivated team when he was fired, it was clear from the start. The Raptors played 16 games in Philadelphia and scored 21 points in a quick break. They also outperformed the 66ers (46–41) and scored more (42–38). The Seekers are a more talented team, but that doesn't mean they can win the playoffs without giving it their all, that's a lesson they learned on Saturday.

With only two days left until Game 5, neither team has time to think about their game. Before we continue the series, though, here are four key moments in Toronto's Game 4 win.

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1. Siakam had a playoff record streak

Pascal Siakam played in 50 playoff games in Game 4 but retained his highest-scoring postseason game when Toronto needed him most. With the Raptors' season on the line, Siakam fell and lost his playoff record 34 points to the Sixers. Those 34 points were more than he had scored in his previous two games combined.

Siakam's performance also improved as he hit over 50 percent of the field (10 of 19) and made 13 of his 15 free throws. He also added eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal in his 44 minutes.

In a game with Joel Embid's James Harden on Saturday afternoon, Siakam was the best player on the field as he seemed able to play when the Raptors needed him. Of course, it wasn't just him, but Siakam is a big part of why Toronto's season isn't over yet.

2. Embidi has a thumb injury.

During the game, it became quite apparent that Embid's right thumb was bothering him as he joked about how he was holding it and grimaced several times throughout the game. It is feared that a grown man will tear the ligaments in his ankle and will have to have an MRI on Sunday. Meanwhile, Embiid promised to play through the pain. He got stuck on Saturday.

Coincidentally, Embid played his worst game in Game 4 of the series, hitting 21 of 7 of 16 from the floor while retaining just eight rebounds. He also spun the ball five times. It's natural to think about how much thumb anxiety is contributing to your relatively poor performance. While Embiid could have reduced the media representative's injury, it's clear that this was an issue in Game 4 and so it's only natural to think about the impact this will have going forward.

3 Toronto Receives Youth Promotion

In the first three games of the series, Thaddeus Young did not play a major role. In all, he played 20 minutes and scored a total of four points per game. He couldn't make a single pass. It was different in Game 4 as Young played a huge role for Toronto off the bench.

In his 30 minutes of action (10 minutes more than the first three games combined), Young found plenty of opportunities to contribute. He scored 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, had five assists, had three steals and completed a shot. He added another moment by scoring an impressive basket against Embiid late in the first quarter.

Overall, Young had a major impact on Toronto and was instrumental in expanding the series. Given how he played in Game 4, Young is likely to play a bigger role in the next few games.

4. VanVleet has a hip injury.

Fred Van Vliet only played 15 minutes in Game 4 when he went on the break and never returned. He missed the rest of the game with a left thigh injury. He has five points, three assists, two rebounds and will have hip surgery to determine the severity of the injury. The Raptors were able to do business without VanVleet in Game 4, but his status should definitely be considered as he's been an integral part of Toronto's success this season.

FRED VANVLEET AND BARRY TREND CLACK!!! (Read from Toronto Raptors vs. 66ers)