BOSTON — Christmas Day defeat the Boston Celtics on the highway is as unlikely because it will get for the Philadelphia 76ers. Not solely had been they on the highway heading to the house of the defending champions, nevertheless it wasn’t a very good evening for Joel Embiid both.
Embiid was minus-18 within the win. Usually, that is an issue for a Sixers group that has a tough time producing when he is out of the sport.
Not on this case. Coach Nick Nurse pushed the proper buttons — out of necessity with Andre Drummond sidelined — to get manufacturing from a smaller lineup that includes Guerschon Yabusele, Kyle Lowry and Reggie Jackson.
“I feel that’s simply sort of what we now have left proper now,” Nurse stated after the win. “Drum and KJ (Martin) are out. I undoubtedly want to provide Tyrese (Maxey) some relaxation, and I made a decision to reunite the 2 veteran level guards when Tyrese comes out. Usually we’d deliver again somebody from ‘different – like KJ “
Nurse’s veteran level guards stepped up in an enormous manner. Lowry had 5 factors, three rebounds and three assists whereas taking part in everywhere in the court docket. Jackson’s stat line will solely present two factors on 1-of-5 capturing, however he was impactful in some ways along with his protection and playmaking. They had been capable of give Maxey some relaxation.
“We went into the zone instantly each time they checked in and made a number of stops, nevertheless it was simply sufficient to purchase a while,” Nurse stated. “I assumed these guys all fought. Kyle had a heck of a recreation, simply combating and (being) bodily and rebounding, and simply organizing the group on the offensive finish.”
The Lowry-Jackson duo is one thing the Sixers have to lean on proper now as they as soon as once more wrestle with accidents, however their efficiency on Christmas Day might transfer them ahead of their confidence as a bunch.
“It provides them each an opportunity to alternate bringing the ball up,” Nurse stated of the du. “Now you may simply let Reggie throw some issues and that can enable Kyle to chill out a bit extra.”
The Sixers will face the Utah Jazz on Saturday for the second of a 6-game highway journey.
This text was initially revealed on Sixers Wire: Nick Nurse explains Sixers have gone small, Kyle Lowry-Reggie Jackson duo
