Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Tyrese Maxey returned. The Sixers' big three made its debut. It did not last long, as Paul George left with a knee injury. But, that was the best Joel Embiid has looked this season. However, the losing streak reached five games as Philadelphia fell to an undermanned Grizzlies team in Memphis.
Here's what I saw in the debut of the Sixers' big three.
- The Embiid/Maxey pairing had all the chemistry in the world from the jump. The Sixers got actionable offense out of the empty corner pick-and-roll with ease, Embiid ushering McCain along the baseline to the weak side of the floor so that he and Maxey could effectively play two-on-two on one side of the court. Maxey had his burst, blowing ahead of everyone for a floater off the glass to get the Sixers on the board.
- Not surprising to anyone, the spacing was far better with the new trio on the floor. It influenced more consistent movement on the court, players cutting into open space to make themselves available to be the release value for ball pressure and connect the two sides of the floor. For example, Caleb Martin was able to cut along the baseline to receive a pass out of pressure from Embiid, forwarding the rock to Jared McCain for a corner three a few feet away.
The spacing also opened up driving lanes. Look no further than McCain driving down the middle of the paint for a dunk because the spacing created a runway for him.
- There were times when Embiid had to give George visual cues to see Maxey open around the floor. When they play together, that pass has to be snappier, and with no middle man. The quicker the ball gets to Maxey, the more stress you put on the defense.
- By my count, they only had about six minutes of time together. George suffered a hyperextension of the left knee early in the third quarter and did not return.
- When they were all on the floor together, Nick Nurse's actions were encouraging. There was more movement. There was much better direction on offense, a concerted effort being made to flow through the middle of the floor.
The Sixers (2-12) will host the Brooklyn Nets (6-9) on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., Eastern time. You can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
