The Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Charlotte Hornets again Monday night, looking to sweep the fast-paced two-game series at home and continue their strong play until late. They did it in a very big way, while they managed to win 118-101 for their fourth consecutive to improve to 6-1 in the season.
Tobias Harris had 22 points and five rebounds in the lead, 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 received strong contributions from the bank, as well as Tyrese Maxey had 11 and Dwight Howard had nine and 13 rebounds.
That being said, here are the three observations:
Stratified offense
Philadelphia proves it’s not just Simmons and Embiid anymore. They now have a legitimate threat up and down in their range and can run so many different options at the offensive end of the floor. Curry’s ability to face the ball and be able to play a two-man game with Embiid is something that changes the offensive production of this team. Not only can Curry get off the screen and take a deep open look, but he has an underestimated ability to pass the ball and make the right decision to penetrate.
As for Green, he had only one move in the third quarter, in which he threw a fake pump, drove and found Harris for last-minute training, which was impressive by his standards. Simmons also had some impressive passes, which is not shocking, but that sets the tone for this team. It’s not just a simple thing, get out of the way and let the stars offend things, there are several things I can do for this purpose.
Royal 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 everywhere at the defensive end of the floor, bothering the Hornets on hard nights. Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Devonte ‘Graham are quite good scorers, but they couldn’t find a clear look against this defense. Philadelphia forced Charlotte to have 11 turnovers in the first half and then ended the half with a 27-7 half after a 36-31 run.
Not only the starting unit, but also the second unit, as well as Maxey, entered his man’s defense. He played very aggressively for this purpose and his denial of the ball in the perimeter was impressive. a play took place in the fourth quarter in which he jumped on the lane and drove it in the opposite direction for a shot. If the second unit can continue to play defense as they did tonight, then Philadelphia will be in a good long-term position.
Continuation of bank production
It is extremely important that Philadelphia has a bank that it can turn to and feel confident in. The fact that coach Doc Rivers can call on guys like Howard, Maxey, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle must be calming for him. The bank continues to enter and maintain the flow. They do not have too many problems in attack and continue to maintain the offensive rhythm as well as the defensive intensity. The Sixers have developed some depth that will serve them well as the season continues.