The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Denver to face off against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. The Sixers would be missing their own former MVP as Joel Embiid continues to miss time with his lingering knee injury.
While few expected the game to end in Philadelphia’s favor or even come down to the wire, what was not expected was the near-complete lack of effort by this Sixers team.
Those above reproach
Before delving into the worst of the night, it’s worth mentioning those who are above reproach in this matter, the few who actually bothered to show up to this game. That list consists of Tyrese Maxey and Guerschon Yabusele.
It wasn’t a perfect night for Maxey, who shot just 3-10 from deep, but with 28 points and 10 assists, he led the Sixers in stat production. Far more important than his statistical contribution was Maxey’s consistent energy. While most of his teammates looked lackadaisical at best, Maxey gave 100% energy for 100% of the ridiculous 34 minutes he played in three-quarters of action.
Joining Tyrese Maxey as the only other Sixers who showed any semblance of pride in this matchup is Guerschon Yabusele. Philadelphia’s star offseason acquisition once again proved willing to do anything and everything that the Sixers needed from him in this game. Whether it was playing physically against Nikola Jokic, stretching the floor as a small-ball five, or purely just injecting energy into the game, Yabusele stepped up when called upon.
An utter embarrassment
Now, as for the other players who touched the court in this game.
It all starts with Paul George. The Sixers brought in George under the pretense that they signed the top available free agent this offseason. While there were some concerns about the amount George had left in the tank, this issue that reared its ugly head in this game for George was one of desire, not ability.
Consistently allowing himself to be bullied by Christian Braun, continuing to settle for deep contested midrange shots over working inside and out, aside from his nine assists, which were in part a result of the lightning pace of the game, it was another difficult performance for George.
Admittedly making his return following a two-game absence, there remains no excuse for a lack of effort, especially from one of the team’s top players.
Joining the list of effortless performances was Kelly Oubre, who returned to his old ways occasionally referred to as “Kelly-ball,” Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond, who together looked entirely disinterested for much of the game, and even Justin Edwards, though the latter has the crutch of inexperience to lean on, the same certainly cannot be said for his teammates.
This complete lack of effort from the majority of a team desperate to end a losing streak led to some impassioned words from their head coach and, apparently, in the locker room.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will have a moment to think about their poor performance as their next game is not until Friday when they welcome the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or, as always, listen live at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
