The Sixers were in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, executed well, defended with authority, fought the Boston Celtics ... and lost, 85-75, ending their season.

“We just struggle to score, man,” Collins said. “I sit over there on the bench and you don't know how I agonize over what I can do to get us a basket. We are fighting and clawing to try to stay in the games and then we finally walk to the line and miss four or five free throws.

“It's just been a nightmare for us trying to score.”

Basketball can be that simple. And simply, the Sixers missed nine of their first 10 shots Saturday and shot 28-for-80 ... many, many times earning themselves good looks.

They did have 15 turnovers, and they still need a point guard.

But until they can shoot, they will never be real championship contenders.

Check out my column on team president Rod Thorn's determination to add some shooters a Sixers notebook and more in the Daily Times Sunday and, as always, on delcotimes.com