Three Normal Things: Embiid and Simmonsless Sixers Vs. Bulls
Come back soon, Jo and Ben.
Adam Aaronson, whose legal name is Sixers Adam (@SixersAdam on Twitter), covers the Sixers for The Rights To Ricky Sanchez. He has been legally banned from covering the team in person, and when that ban was set to be lifted, Covid-19 struck. He believes cantaloupe is the best food in existence, and is brought to you by the Official Realtor of The Process, Adam Ksebe.
Welcome back to the NBA season, and welcome back to Three Normal Things. Here is a trio of observations from the Sixers sans Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
#1: Can Tony Bradley play? And why does it matter?
Bradley had not been particularly marvelous or troublesome in his minutes with the Sixers leading up to today. But as someone who played in 58 games for a solid Utah Jazz team last year, he showed early on tonight that he is far from an end-of-bench reserve.
Bradley scored eight points on perfect shooting in the first quarter, moved his feet well defensively and ended up turning in an impressive all-around performance in his spot start.
All in all, Bradley proved to be mobile on his feet, capable in the post and prepared as a shot-blocker.
Given the plentiful back-to-backs on the Sixers’ second half schedule, Embiid is going to need to sit out more than usual. Having Bradley as a prepared, competent third center can be of significant value.
#2: Matisse Thybulle sees you putting him in the trade machine
Thybulle came up with four steals in the first five minutes of the game, as he was at his best all night long. Thybulle’s physical tools and brilliant awareness make for a lethal combination. It’s flat-out ridiculous how often he gets his hands on the ball.
In addition to his masterclass of a defensive effort, Thybulle shot the ball excellently from beyond the arc, rounding out what was likely his best game of the season. Thybulle is expected to be considered one of the Sixers’ most valuable assets heading into the March 25 trade deadline. Tonight he showed why.
#3: Screw it, the rest of the guys deserve some love too
The Sixers were in command for 48 minutes tonight thanks to some excellent, well-rounded team basketball. Particularly on the offensive end, this was one of the most successful balanced attacks the Sixers have brought to the table that I can remember.
Everything was great: from team defense to ball movement and shot selection, the Sixers played a front-to-back dominant brand of basketball, especially impressive without their two best players.
Just take a look at the rotation’s scoring distribution. A fitting way to close tonight’s excellent night.
Tobias Harris: 24 points; Dwight Howard: 18; Furkan Korkmaz: 16; Tony Bradley: 14; Matisse Thybulle: 13; Seth Curry: 12; Shake Milton: 10; Danny Green: 9; Mike Scott: 5.
If there was ever an excellent team win for the Sixers, it was tonight’s thumping of the Bulls. Now let’s watch the MVP front-runner tomorrow!