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Tonight, the Sixers lost in Denver to the Nuggets, 104-95.
I’ll keep it short.
The Sixers – primarily the starting unit – looked particularly slow tonight. This lack of zipper was especially evident in the first quarter, when the Sixers allowed Denver 44 points. To their credit, the Nuggets were hitting contested shots. But the Sixers turned the ball around too much and gave the quarterback too many second chances.
In another poor offensive performance since the All-Star break, Ben Simmons scored 11 points, had three assists and spat three turnovers. His defense was unusually lazy. Simmons’ imperfect aesthetic cut with Joel Embiid has been the subject of a ton over the years, but I think playing for a long time without Embiid (and option 5 to complement his skills) has started to catch up with Simmons. Embiid is expected to be back soon – it looks like Saturday – and when he returns I’ll be looking for a rejuvenated Ben Simmons as order is restored to the team’s attack.
Tobias Harris looked to be playing in the quicksand as well, scoring 12 points on 13 shots and amassing a low -29 game.
Tyrese Maxey showed some juice off the bench and scored 13 points. The Maxey-led bench unit played so well to start the fourth that Nuggets starters Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr.
On the positive side, no Sixers starters have played more than 26 minutes.
It was a horrible loss, but I’m pretty optimistic about it. Fifth consecutive game on the road, no Embiid, altitude etc. Plan for the loss. To move on.
Next up: The Sixers will look to end the 6-game road trip on a high note in Cleveland on Thursday night.
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