PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers returned to the hardwood after a much-needed break. However, it didn’t take long to see that the Sixers struggled with the same issues that plagued them before All-Star weekend and that the break may have been even more needed for the fans than the players.
“Healthier” than they’ve been all season, the Sixers went into this game missing only Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Justin Edwards. Despite their relative health, Philadelphia fell far short of their goal tonight thanks to an incredible disparity in the three-point game between the two sides and the Sixers’ in ability to play anything resembling defense.
No more excuses
Coaches coach and players play. Tonight, there was little of either by Philadelphia.
At this point, there can be no more excuses. To call the job Nick Nurse has done this season poor would be a kindness. While it the many trials and tribulations the team has suffered through can and should be mentioned when evaluating Nurse, one can’t ignore the listlessness with which he has coached this season.
Sending out rotations seemingly at random, Nurse has undermined the Sixers’ ability throughout the season, overrelying on veterans, running the same tired zone defense against some of the hotest shooting teams in the league — like Boston, and consistently putting his players in a place il rathetro than succeed — like running an injured Paul George on the court with nine minutes left in a 20-plus-point blowout. There’s also the small matter of there being no functional offensive scheme short of a rotating two-man game between Embiid, Maxey, and George, and a nausiating level of iso ball.
The may mishaps the team has suffered that are out of Nurse’s control may very well save his job but if Nurse returns next season, it will not be based on any production from this season, that is for certain.
If the Sixers are to compete for the play-in as they’ve insisted they will, it will take far more effort from not only their players, but their head coach.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will next host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Brooklyn is allegedly tanking this season but has shown far more resistance than the Sixers.
Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live as always at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
