DENVER – The Philadelphia 76ers had a tough night time being destroyed by the Denver Nuggets 144-109 on Tuesday. As soon as once more shorthanded, the Sixers could not overcome Nuggets celebrity Nikola Jokic who had 27 factors, 10 assists and 13 rebounds for Denver.
The Nuggets had 68 factors within the paint and 37 quick break factors on the night time. It was of no use on this match the place the Sixers had a bonus. It was a world wrestle for them and so they could not reply in any respect.
Tyrese Maxey had 28 factors and 10 assists to guide Philadelphia whereas George had 11 factors, 9 assists and 5 rebounds. Guerschon Yabusele additionally returned from damage and had 22 factors coming off the bench whereas Eric Gordon had 9 factors and Justin Edwards had 11 factors.
Listed below are the three fundamental takeaways from this loss:
Poor defensive effort
The Sixers had been horrible on the defensive finish on this one. The Nuggets set the tone with 18 quick break factors within the first quarter as they took an early lead and dominated within the paint and from the 3-point line. Clearly, not having Embiid makes an enormous distinction, however Philadelphia’s effort Tuesday was merely unacceptable for a staff on a six-game dropping streak. You’d assume there could be extra pleasure from a staff trying to flip issues round and get again into title competition.
“We didn’t do a superb job following the sport plan,” Maxey mentioned. “That is what I am on the market for, so I am going to take it on the chin. Just a few occasions I did not put guys in the suitable spot defensively and it got here again to chunk us after which on offense we Did not make nice pictures, and we turned the ball over. You possibly can’t give this staff the ball as a result of they arrive out and run and so they rating in transition.
Some indicators of psychological fatigue
It is human nature to be uninterested in all these defeats. The Sixers weren’t purported to be this unhealthy early within the season, however every little thing that might go fallacious for this staff has gone fallacious. There have been a mess of accidents that they can’t management. There was uneven play. There was problem creating chemistry as a consequence of all of the accidents and that may take a toll on some. Possibly that’s what the Sixers are dealing with proper now.
“I imply, it is actually onerous, extraordinarily tough, however for me, I am simply making an attempt to remain constructive,” Maxey added. “I attempt to maintain everybody constructive. On the finish of the day, we are able to play a basketball sport and go on the market and compete in a number of extra days, you recognize what I am saying? That is our job. So I feel I am having enjoyable taking part in basketball and making an attempt to raise this staff in one of the simplest ways attainable. I do not assume it is a secret, I feel you’ve got all seen me. over time. I actually don’t love dropping, However I feel my problem, proper now, is simply to maintain everybody constructive, maintain everybody collectively and permit everybody to come back in and do their job.”
George must step up his efforts
George must get aggressive. It may’t simply be Maxey on the offensive finish as they transfer ahead with Embiid sidelined as a consequence of his damage. The Sixers referred to as on George to offer Philadelphia an offensive increase in video games like this. Whereas the playmaking is sweet and that is a giant a part of his sport, the Sixers want a ruthless scorer from the wing proper now and George wants to supply it contemplating the large man is out on this second. Possibly it was the groin that held him again, however he has to offer extra.
“I imply, not nice,” George mentioned of how he feels proper now. “I simply tried to offer it a shot for the fellows.”
This text was initially revealed on Sixers Wire: 3 greatest takeaways for Sixers after blowout loss to Nuggets
