Sixers will keep starting DeAndre Jordan vs. Heat ‘whether you like it or not’

Rivers: Sixers will keep starting Jordan ‘whether you like it or not’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

MIAMI — One could read between the lines on Sixers head coach Doc Rivers’ remarks leading into Monday night’s Game 1 against the Heat in many different ways.

In retrospect, a comment he made Saturday came to mind about the team’s plan at center with no Joel Embiid to begin the second round of the playoffs.

Rivers seemed to know that his choice for a fifth starter would be scrutinized — and perhaps not received well.

“We’re going to try anything,” Rivers said the first day after the Sixers announced Embiid had a right orbital fracture and concussion. “Really. We’re not going to be shy with playing different guys. I know you guys want to make a big deal about the first three minutes. Whoever is announced in the starting lineup, it doesn’t matter to us — I’m telling you that now. … We’re worried about the last six minutes. That’s going to be the key for us in this series.”

By the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter Monday, the Heat’s lead had swelled to 21 points. Charles Bassey played the final 4:36 of the Sixers’ Game 1 loss at FTX Arena.

Of course, the rookie big man was neither Rivers’ preferred closer nor his starter. DeAndre Jordan got the nod.

Bam Adebayo converted a short jumper over Jordan to give Miami a 4-0 lead. Not a big deal by itself or a shot that others would have surely denied. But 80 seconds into the game, Jordan dropped a James Harden pass to him in the dunker spot that wasn’t especially low, high, fast or surprising. Jimmy Butler then drove at Jordan on a pick-and-roll and Adebayo got a put-back layup — 9-2.  Soon enough, Rivers needed a timeout.

He opened with Jordan in the second half, too. Though that stint went better, the Sixers were outscored by 22 points during Jordan’s 17 minutes. The team was not remotely successful at working around his diminished mobility and lack of versatility.

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