Surprisingly, Nick Nurse decided to start Mo Bamba and Kyle Lowry in the 76ers’ victory over the Hornets.
On 5 of 9 shots, Lowry finished with 15 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. He played the full twelve minutes in the fourth quarter, and his influence was noticed throughout the entire game. In 20 minutes, Bamba finished with eight rebounds, two blocks, and two points on 1-4 shooting. He played six minutes in the third quarter and none in the fourth, although his effect diminished as the game progressed.
Bamba and Paul Reed were switched, according to Nurse, in order to better match up with the Hornets, who had one healthy centre (starting Nick Richards) and a bench that included Grant Williams and other smaller, heavier forwards who can play centre. It made logical to start the taller Bamba in the starting lineup so that Reed, who was more agile, could take on smaller, quicker opponents. Additionally, it provided the starting five with a shooter at the centre position, which may allow the 76ers’ guards to have more space in the middle of the court.
Nurse clarified that the choice to start Lowry was based on more than just seeing what he could accomplish with the starters; it was also influenced by how Kelly Oubre Jr., who he replaced, seemed in a different capacity. Despite his intention to “try to invigorate Kelly off the bench,” Nurse was forced to skip the game because of pain in his right shoulder.
According to Nurse, he is “mediumly strongly” considering starting Lowry in a more permanent capacity. Tyrese Maxey can be used off the ball more, which is a significant benefit. With a master dramatist like Lowry, Maxey’s lead part ought to be a lot simpler.
About Maxey, Nurse stated, “I believe that they were very focused on double-teaming him in the pick-and-roll.” We will therefore often attempt to remove him from the ball.They were even joining some double teams for him during the pin-down screening procedures. Even while Maxey doesn’t always score from those plays, they do create opportunities for other teammates to score when they open up. Tobias Harris, a self-described “structure guy,” finds great value in having someone like Lowry who can really set the offensive tone. Lowry’s 31-point effort is more evidence of how he supports his teammates. His unwavering tenacity and knack for the ball help the 76ers as well.
“You see some of those plays he made at the end of the game, man?” These are the plays that you detest the player for when he’s playing for the opposing team, Harris stated. That kind of play is what wins basketball, though.He was really helpful to us in keeping the group under control, achieving the desired set, and ensuring that we were well-organized—all of which were very important to us.
The choice to give Lowry more prominence was a huge success. The decision to promote Bamba was successful, albeit primarily because of the work done by his backup.
Reed finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and three assists on 5–6 shooting in his 24 minutes of action, which included a significant portion of the fourth quarter. Before the game, he was made aware of the lineup change, so he was ready. It also increased his motivation to perform well.
“I knew I had to go play hard outside.”That’s what I think the team needed from me, Reed remarked. “I’m the kind of man that, once they degrade me like that, naturally, I’m going to have a chip on my shoulder.Ultimately, though, I have to be a helpful colleague. It’s all about the team in the end.So whatever it takes for the team to win, I’m game.”
Among his many talents was playwriting. Finding cutters is an essential skill for him, particularly near the end of the shot clock. The best play of his performance was perhaps the bounce pass he made between defenders to Maxey on a slot cut.
“It needs a little zip added to it.When making passes in confined spaces, Reed advised adding a bit more elegance. LeBron James and former colleague James Harden were mentioned by him as passers he looks up to.
The 76ers must make some choices regarding their starting lineup, but it would also be wise for them to acquire a third centre to fill in for Reed and/or Bamba on off nights. To survive Joel Embiid’s absence, the finest lineup combinations will be required.
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