Sixers Def. Guangzhou: What we learned
Preseason games are meaningless... right?
The 2019–2020 NBA season has commenced, or at least preseason. In their first match, the Sixers defeat the Guangzhou Loong Lions 144 to 86. Nothing significant happened in this game: it’s impossible to judge NBA talent against obviously inferior competition, but they are a few takeaways from the 76ers home-opener.
Ben Simmons went 1–1 from Beyond the Arc
Who said nothing significant happened in this match? Ben Simmons splashed a three! Nevertheless, the truth is that his lack of a three-point shot was over-scrutinized. In reality, his ability to be consistent (near 80%) from the free-throw line needs to improve to propel his game to the next level. He was merely 2–6 from the strip; not to hinder the importance of his three, anything positive related to Ben Simmons’ jump shot is a step in the right direction.
Matisse Thybulle is a Bulldog (3 Steals and 2 Blocks)
Sixers fans should not base his regular-season role and stat-line on yesterday’s performance. Previously mentioned, he was operating against inferior talent. However, the confidence and the defensive energy he displayed, for instance, his off-ball defense, his nose for the ball, and his underrated range, will translate later in his career, and potentially this season.
This Team is Big(er than we thought)
The 76ers came into the year viewed as one of the biggest teams in the NBA, but man they look taller on the big screen: no pun intended. Josh Richardson (6’ 6”) is the shortest player in the starting line-up. Moreover, the scary thing is that they can switch. It is never ideal to have Al Horford or Embiid on shifty hybrid guards. Nonetheless, there are probably solely a handful of big men that potentially match their versatility on the defensive side of the ball. Simmons and Richardson speak for themselves.
Next Game: Friday, October 11 7:30 ET vs. the Charlette Hornets (Preseason)
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Featured photo from Amy Gizienski