By: Kylan Watson
After falling to the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a tough Washington Wizards squad that was desperate to win their seventh game of the season. Washington fought the Sixers throughout this contest, but thanks to a fourth quarter scoring explosion from Tyrese Maxey. Philly was able to beat Washington 109-103 and win their 15th game of the season.
Unlike Monday night’s game the Sixers found their offensive rhythm early in this contest. They were able to use their ball movement to create high-percentage scoring opportunities and cashed in on them. Before Washington could even settle into this game, they were down by a double-digit margin mid-way through the first quarter. Tyrese Maxey (29 points), Guerschon Yabusele (21 points and made 5/7 three-pointers in the contest), Eric Gordon (15 points), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (15 points) combined for 80 of Philly’s 109 points in this game.
Yabusele had one of his best games of the season from the three-point line and has continued to be the most dependable role player on Philly’s roster. He has taken advantage of every opportunity that has been given to him throughout this season. In tonight’s contest he kept the Sixers ahead with his scoring and defensive ability.
For example, late in the fourth quarter when a Washington player was driving to the basket, he blocked the shot which sealed the victory for Philly. Yabusele has been a game changer for the Sixers and at this point he needs to be a permanent fixture in their line-up at the power forward position. He has earned that role with his consistent play, energy, and athleticism. He fits perfectly next to Maxey, Joel Embiid (Foot sprain did not play) and Paul George (Groin tightness did not play). Also, if Yabusele continues making three-pointers he can add another dimension to his game and the Sixers offensive capabilities.
Despite having every reason to give up on this game, they were extremely shorthanded (Missing Jordan Poole and Alex Sarr) and down 16 points in this contest. However, they were able to battle back and retake the lead late in the fourth quarter of this game. Jared Butler (26 points) and Corey Kispert (23 points) combined for 49 of Washington’s 103 points.
Butler kept his team in this game by hitting big shot after big shot and it did not matter if the shots were contested or not, he put points on the board. Which forced the Sixers to give him more defensive attention, which opened three-point opportunities for Corey Kispert. He cashed in on them to give Washington the lead late in the fourth quarter.
When the Sixers needed it, most Tyrese Maxey put the team on his back, scoring 21 of his 29 points in the second half of this contest after an abysmal start to this game. Maxey finally decided to use his quickness advantage and attacked the rim instead of settling for contested three-pointers. As a result, he was able to hit two clutch free throws to tie this game. A few minutes later he passed an overmatched Wizards defender and made the game sealing lay-up to put the Sixers in front in this contest. Maxey continues to develop his closing ability and that came in handy tonight.
This will serve him well throughout the rest of this season, there will be times where he will have to hit the big shots because Embiid or George will get most of the defensive attention which will create high-percentage shooting opportunities for him that he must make.
The Sixers will now prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. New Orleans is another team that is desperate for a win and Zion Williamson just returned to the team. Philly will have to stay attached to him and not allow him to have easy opportunities to attack the basket. Forcing Zion to take contested shots should stifle the Pelicans offensive scheme.
Additionally, the Sixers must win the rebounding battle, limit their turnovers, and cash in on the high-percentage shooting opportunities created off their ball movement. They should have more of their guys available for this next game with two days to prepare for the Pelicans. Even if that does not happen Philly has to continue to play within the flow of their offense and continue to trust their teammates on the floor.
Implementing these things into their game plan should put the Sixers in a great position to win their 16th game of the season and continue to build positive momentum heading into a tougher portion of their schedule next week.
2 thoughts on “Pounded Wizards”