The Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Charlotte Hornets again on Monday night, looking to win the quick two-game series at home and continue their strong game recently. They did it in style, winning 118-101 for the fourth consecutive time, improving to 6-1 in the 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 he also had strong contributions from the bank, just as Tyrese Maxey had 11 and Dwight Howard had nine and 13 rebounds.
That said, here are the three observations:
Layered offense
Philadelphia is proving that they are no longer just Simmons and Embiid. They now have a legitimate up and down threat in their lineup and can perform many different options at the offensive end of the track. Curry’s ability to handle the ball and play a two-handed game with Embiid is something that changes this team’s offensive production. Curry can not only leave the screen and be able to take an open look from the bottom, but also has an underestimated ability to pass the ball and make the right decision on penetration.
As for Green, he made a move in the third quarter where he dropped a fake bomb, drove and found Harris for a last-minute tray that was impressive by his standards. Simmons also had some impressive passes, which is not shocking, but it sets the tone for this team. It’s not just a simple one, get out of the way and let the stars do offensive things, there’s more they can do in that sense.
Swarm defense
The Sixers have the staff to do that, so it shouldn’t be a surprise, but the way Philadelphia manages to defend itself and attack its opponents is impressive. Simmons and Embiid were everywhere at the defensive end of the track and bothered the Hornets on difficult nights. Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Devonte ‘Graham are very good scorers, but were unable to find a fair game against this defense. Philadelphia forced Charlotte to play 11 games in the first half and then ended the period with a 27-7 run after losing 36-31.
Not only the initial unit, but the second unit and also Maxey were entering their man on defense. He was playing very aggressively on that side and his denial of the ball in the perimeter was impressive. there was a play in the fourth period when he skipped the overtaking lane and drove the other way for a slam. If the second unit can continue to play defense as they did tonight, then Philadelphia will be in a good position in the long run.
Continuous bench production
It is extremely important that Philadelphia has a bank that you can turn to and that you feel confident about. The fact that coach Doc Rivers turns to guys like Howard, Maxey, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle should be calming to him. The bench continues to enter and maintain the flow. He does not have many problems in the attack and continues to maintain the pace both offensive and defensive intensity. The Sixers have developed some depth that will help them well throughout the season.