Tyrese Maxey shines in first half, but Sixers falter against Thunder
Tyrese Maxey lit up the scoreboard with 23 of his 28 points in a dazzling first half, but the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately fell apart as the Oklahoma City Thunder ramped up the pressure in the second half, leading to a demoralizing defeat. Here are six key takeaways from the game.
Maxey’s MVP-caliber first half
After a disappointing finish in their previous matchup against the Chicago Bulls, Maxey came out swinging. He propelled the Sixers into a tight contest at halftime, showcasing his scoring versatility. Maxey knocked down deep threes, including one off the catch in the first quarter and another from a high ball screen that briefly put Philadelphia in the lead late in the second quarter.
His offensive prowess was complemented by aggressive drives against the Thunder’s intimidating interior defense, featuring players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Maxey’s ability to attack the basket, despite the size disadvantage, was a testament to his skill and determination. Even as the Thunder adjusted their defensive strategy to make it harder for him to penetrate, Maxey remained undeterred, stepping into difficult shots with confidence.
In addition to his scoring, Maxey played an active role on defense, recording three steals that disrupted Thunder drives and thwarted transition opportunities. His defensive efforts were particularly notable as he faced off against seasoned defenders like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso.
Bona’s impactful presence
Adem Bona provided a significant boost for the Sixers, especially after a swing in momentum that favored Oklahoma City due to Andre Drummond’s struggles. Bona entered the game with a physicality that was crucial in containing Hartenstein’s drives. He tracked those plays to the rim, even managing to pin a shot against the backboard, igniting a fast break for Philadelphia.
Bona’s hands were remarkably effective, allowing him to secure rebounds and finish with authority at the rim. As the game slipped away from the Sixers, his rebounding remained a bright spot, showcasing his ability to maintain poise and positioning amidst the chaos.
Paul George’s untapped potential
The lack of offensive utilization for Paul George has become increasingly frustrating. Although he is a former All-Star, the Sixers have struggled to maximize his shooting capabilities. George found some success in the second half against the Bulls by moving off the ball, yet his contributions were limited against the Thunder until he adjusted his approach.
Initially, George’s attempts to create offense through isolation were ineffective, especially against a youthful Thunder squad. It wasn’t until he began to embrace a more off-ball role that he started to find his rhythm. Philadelphia’s coaching staff, particularly Nick Nurse, needs to implement more structured plays that allow George to capitalize on his shooting skills. The Iverson action could be a starting point, but there’s a clear need for secondary actions to enhance the flow of offense.
Drummond’s struggles highlight defensive gaps
Andre Drummond’s performance was a stark contrast to the needs of the game. Throughout the matchup, he often found himself caught in compromising positions, leaving the middle vulnerable for the Thunder. This lack of defensive coverage proved costly, as Oklahoma City exploited Drummond’s weaknesses, scoring at will during his time on the floor.
The Sixers were outscored by 14 points in Drummond’s 17 minutes, a clear indication of his struggles. While Nurse has previously shown the ability to adjust defensive schemes effectively, the lack of a coherent strategy to address the pick-and-roll targeting Drummond was evident.
Edgecombe’s diminishing aggression
Rookie VJ Edgecombe struggled to maintain his assertiveness, opting for jump shots rather than attacking the basket. Although he had a decent shooting performance early on, fatigue seemed to set in as the game progressed. His shot selection became increasingly erratic, likely exacerbated by a combination of illness and the toll of travel.
Three-point shooting woes
The Sixers’ three-point shooting performance seemed to regress at the worst possible time. Despite a respectable 17-for-43 showing from beyond the arc, the timing of this uptick was unfortunate, coming against a Thunder team that dominated the interior game. Philadelphia suffered from a significant three-point deficit, losing that battle by 21 points while still managing to lose the game by 25.
As the Sixers look to regroup, they will need to address their inconsistency and find ways to capitalize on their strengths if they hope to bounce back in their upcoming matchups.
