[ad_1]
The Philadelphia 76ers once again hosted the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night in a bid to sweep the quick two-game home streak and continue their solid game of late. They did it in a remarkable way as they worked their way to a 118-101 victory for their fourth in a row to move to 6-1 this season.
Tobias Harris had 22 points and five rebounds to lead the way, Joel Embiid had 14 points and 11 rebounds with three blocks, Danny Green added 13 and six rebounds, Ben Simmons had 12, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Seth Curry had 11. The team also got strong contributions from the bench as well as Tyrese Maxey had 11 and Dwight Howard had nine and 13 rebounds.
That said, here are the three observations:
Layered offense
Philadelphia proves they’re not just Simmons and Embiid anymore. They now have a legitimate threat in their line-up and they can execute so many different options on the attacking side of the ground. Curry’s ability to handle the ball and be able to lead a two-man game with Embiid is something that changes the offensive production of this team. Not only can Curry come off the screen and be able to knock down an open gaze from the bottom, but he has an underrated ability to pass the ball and make the right penetration decision.
As for Green, he had a shot in the third quarter where he threw a false pump, drove and found Harris for a last minute layup that was impressive by his standards. Simmons also had some impressive assists which isn’t shocking but sets the tone for this team. It’s not just a simple way to step aside and let the stars do some offense, there is more to that end.
Swarming Defense
The Sixers have the staff to do it, so it shouldn’t be surprising, but the way Philadelphia is able to defend itself and get into their opponents is so impressive. Simmons and Embiid were all over the defensive side of the field and they messed up the Hornets on rough nights. Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Devonte ‘Graham are very good goal scorers, but they couldn’t find a clear look against this defense. Philadelphia forced Charlotte to make 11 turnovers in the first half and they went on to finish the half on a 27-7 run after dragging her 36-31.
Not only the starting unit, but also the second unit as well as Maxey entered his man in defense. He was playing very aggressively at that end and his ball refusal on the perimeter was impressive. there was a play in the fourth quarter where he jumped the passing lane and led it the other way for a slam. If the second unit can continue to play defense like they did that night, then Philadelphia will be in a good position for the long haul.
Continuous production on bench
It is extremely important that Philadelphia have a bench to turn to and feel confident about. The fact that coach Doc Rivers can turn to guys like Howard, Maxey, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle must be soothing to him. The bench continues to enter and maintain the flow. They don’t have too many attacking problems and they continue to maintain the offensive pace as well as the defensive intensity. The Sixers have developed a certain depth that will serve them well as the season progresses.
[ad_2]
Source link