Doc Rivers of 76ers disappointed at Game 6

BOSTON – According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers stated he was “disappointed” that the Eastern Conference finals Game 6 officiating report showed 13 mistakes that gave the Boston Celtics an advantage over the 76ers.

Before Sunday’s Game 7 at TD Garden, Rivers stated, “Honestly, it was frustrating to watch. In a one-point or two-point game, a 13-4 deficit is difficult to overcome. Really, it is.

“I mean, when you looked at the report, which we read, and you saw the missed calls. The trip that caused James Harden to fall to the floor on the stretch and the loose ball that was there when they took a timeout but didn’t have the ball. In addition, Smart was fouled during the play. That amounted to free throws. Recovery from it is challenging. Really, it is. Having said that, you must just attempt to play through it because it is a human game. The differences are almost seldom that significant. Most games have two and three, which you can tolerate, but 13 and four is challenging.

After winning Games 4 and 5 to go up 3-2 in the series, Philadelphia held a two-point advantage with just under six minutes remaining in Game 6. However, Boston went on a 14-3 run to end the game and tie the series.

Harden expressed his frustration with the night’s missed calls after Game 6.

Harden said after shooting 4-for-16 from the floor, including 0-for-6 from 3-point range, “Tonight, it was just frustrating because I’m No. 1 as far as fouls that don’t get called.” It is a fact, like. As a result, it is upsetting as a player when the referee announces at halftime, “Hey, we missed a couple of fouls.” There were several missed shots and fouls there, which is helping me find my flow and get to [the Celtics’] transition moments.

Rivers said everyone feels pressure in these circumstances, but it’s a “privilege” to be a part of them. Philadelphia is attempting to reach the Eastern finals for the first time since 2001, while Rivers is attempting to make his first conference finals trip since 2012.

Oh, absolutely, Rivers replied, “Everyone does. Billie Jean King is a luxury, but I’d hate to be her. It is a privilege to continue sending teams to these locations. Really, it is. It’s amusing that some of your pals ask you, “Why do you act like this?” And this is the main issue. You put yourself out there because you want to win, and you know that in order to accomplish that, you must repeatedly put yourself in these challenging circumstances. It’s also worthwhile. It is worthwhile. It is worthwhile. And I inform my men of that.