The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a surprisingly strong start this season. With a record of 4-1, the team has exceeded expectations and is building momentum behind its small-ball lineup.
Coach Nick Nurse has done an impressive job in juggling his roster with key injuries while maintaining balance on the court. The addition of reinforcements on the horizon will only add to the mix.
One factor contributing to the Sixers' success lies in their small-ball lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr. When these four guards play together, they form a formidable trio that has dominated both ends of the floor. Their Net Rating stands at +46.9 with elite numbers on offense (138.5 Offensive Rating) and defense (91.6 Defensive Rating).
The success of this lineup can be attributed to preparation and familiarity. Maxey mentioned that extensive practice in preparing for these specific lineups has paid dividends, allowing the team to capitalize on the unique shooting and ball-handling abilities of its guards.
Oubre serves as a crucial component, standing strong against bigger opponents while providing two-way contributions early in the season. His ability to make an impact without requiring much space makes him an invaluable asset.
Meanwhile, Adem Bona has emerged as one of the top shot-blockers in the NBA, boasting an impressive +5.0 blocks per 36 minutes through five games.
Bona's development is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Coach Nurse pointed out that Bona needs to become more imposing as a shot-blocker around the rim, which he has largely achieved.
However, Bona still faces challenges on defense, particularly in terms of discipline and reducing excessive fouls. Nevertheless, his baseline in defensive production is unparalleled among young centers.
In contrast, Justin Edwards' performance has been less impressive, with a field goal percentage of 38.9 across five appearances (58 minutes). As a role player, Edwards relies heavily on spot-up shooting, which can be a blessing and a curse depending on how it simplifies or complicates his game.
Edwards has shown confidence in separating process from results and continues to focus on his reps and preparation. Despite struggles with shot-making, he remains optimistic about the future and is embracing the challenges that come with playing alongside high-usage players.
While the Sixers continue to ride their small-ball success, it will be crucial for Edwards to develop consistency in spot-up shooting if he hopes to make a lasting impact on the team's performance.
Coach Nick Nurse has done an impressive job in juggling his roster with key injuries while maintaining balance on the court. The addition of reinforcements on the horizon will only add to the mix.
One factor contributing to the Sixers' success lies in their small-ball lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr. When these four guards play together, they form a formidable trio that has dominated both ends of the floor. Their Net Rating stands at +46.9 with elite numbers on offense (138.5 Offensive Rating) and defense (91.6 Defensive Rating).
The success of this lineup can be attributed to preparation and familiarity. Maxey mentioned that extensive practice in preparing for these specific lineups has paid dividends, allowing the team to capitalize on the unique shooting and ball-handling abilities of its guards.
Oubre serves as a crucial component, standing strong against bigger opponents while providing two-way contributions early in the season. His ability to make an impact without requiring much space makes him an invaluable asset.
Meanwhile, Adem Bona has emerged as one of the top shot-blockers in the NBA, boasting an impressive +5.0 blocks per 36 minutes through five games.
Bona's development is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Coach Nurse pointed out that Bona needs to become more imposing as a shot-blocker around the rim, which he has largely achieved.
However, Bona still faces challenges on defense, particularly in terms of discipline and reducing excessive fouls. Nevertheless, his baseline in defensive production is unparalleled among young centers.
In contrast, Justin Edwards' performance has been less impressive, with a field goal percentage of 38.9 across five appearances (58 minutes). As a role player, Edwards relies heavily on spot-up shooting, which can be a blessing and a curse depending on how it simplifies or complicates his game.
Edwards has shown confidence in separating process from results and continues to focus on his reps and preparation. Despite struggles with shot-making, he remains optimistic about the future and is embracing the challenges that come with playing alongside high-usage players.
While the Sixers continue to ride their small-ball success, it will be crucial for Edwards to develop consistency in spot-up shooting if he hopes to make a lasting impact on the team's performance.
! The addition of reinforcements will definitely add another layer to their game, but I think Coach Nurse has done an excellent job in juggling the roster with key injuries. It's not surprising that Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are killing it on offense - those guys are like a well-oiled machine 
! The fact that they've been able to prepare for these specific lineups is huge, and it's paying off in a big way.
. He's got some tough spots to fill with his spot-up shooting, but if he can find consistency there, I think he could be a real asset for the Sixers. Overall, though, it's exciting to see this lineup come together and see where they go from here!
but hey, at least he's keeping a positive attitude and that's all you can ask for 
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are an absolute force to be reckoned with 
! The fact that Coach Nurse has them juggling injuries and still managing to come out on top is just insane 
. My only worry is Justin Edwards, I hope he can find his rhythm soon 
. But overall, the Sixers are giving us some seriously entertaining basketball 
.
their small-ball lineup is straight flames 
i mean with maxey, edgecombe, grimes and oubre, they got a serious combo going on 
and its cool to see coach nurse adapting to key injuries while still giving his team a solid balance 
gotta give props to Kelly Oubre Jr though, he's been a beast against bigger opponents 
but Justin Edwards struggles with shot-making are pretty much expected, you can't just expect to make shots without putting in work 
. But let's be real, if Edwards wants to stay on the roster, he needs to step up his game 
. I'm all about high usage players taking ownership of their shots and not relying on spot-up goodness 
. The key for Ed is consistency over confidence 
only thing that keeps me from bein super optimistic about edwards is his struggles with spot up shooting 
gotta see how he develops consistency tho
️. And Bona's shot blocking skills are insane +5.0 blocks per 36 minutes? 
and Bona just straight-up blocking shots like nobody's business 
. The question now is can they keep this momentum going when the reinforcements arrive? I'm also intrigued to see how Adem Bona develops further - shot-blocking is an elite skillset 
adem bona is lookin like a beast on defense 
and i'm lovin how edwards is stayin positive despite not bein as clutch with his shots 
keep practicin, edwardss! you got this!!! 
Tyrese Maxey is on fire 
Coach Nurse is doin a great job too, he's got the team gelled out and they're just makin a move to get that W 
. That small-ball trio with Maxey, Grimes, and Oubre Jr is UNSTOPPABLE 
. And let's not forget Adem Bona, that shot-blocking machine is a game-changer in my book 
... he needs to find that sweet spot where his shooting doesn't get too reliant on spacing, you know? Still, I'm all about the underdog story and I love how he's taking it one rep at a time 
!
. But honestly, I'm a bit worried about Justin Edwards' shooting percentages... 39% from the field isn't gonna cut it if he wants to be more than just a role player 
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr are like a dream team 
together! They're dominating both ends of the court and their Net Rating is insane 
but he still needs to work on his discipline on defense 
if he wants to make a lasting impact. But overall, I'm loving the energy around this team 
.