The Sixers (8v-2d) are no longer the leaders of the NBA. After eight victories in a row, they fell last night at home, against the Pacers, and they gave back first place to the Nuggets (9v-2d).
A logical setback since Joel Embiid’s teammates had only led for 26 seconds in the first three quarters, before briefly taking control nine minutes from time. Insufficient to make the Pacers more regular and fairer in “money time”.
The accuracy of the Pacers
“Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way” summarizes Nick Nurse. “There were times where I was amazed at how we put them in trouble, and they made some crazy passes. They managed to keep the ball, whatever the way, and they only lost 11 balls. Given our defensive sequences, I have the feeling that we could have caused twice as many. But tonight, it didn’t happen like that…”
Like Tyrese Haliburton, who did not lose a ball, the Pacers had sure hands, and they had corrected some deficiencies compared to the first opposition.
A rebound adjustment
Like for example, offensive rebounding. They conceded 23 in the first match, and only 5 last night.
“We made some adjustments, but the biggest of them was our placement, and the realization that this was an important sector,” explains Rick Carlisle about the rebound. “We did rebounding drills in practice (Monday) and it’s every NBA coach’s nightmare because you’re afraid someone is going to get hurt. But we realized that it was necessary.”
A culpable disorganization
For Joel Embiid, who missed a ready dunk, the Sixers especially failed at the end of the match. While they had come back to score, and had even gone in front, they suffered a terrible 11-2.
“We just have to make sure we finish matches better”estimates the 2023 MVP. “We did a good job, but tonight we had a few walks and we were a little disorganized at times. We couldn’t stand out, and we need to do a better job of that.”
The absence of Nicolas Batum also weighed on defense in the help on Tyrese Haliburton, but also on attack, where his ability to give clean balls to his teammates, and to clear the game with his 3-point skill , is precious.
The neglected 3-point shot
Speaking of 3-pointers, the Sixers are one of the teams that shoot the least, with only 29 shots per match. Only the Hornets attempt fewer, and that’s 50% less than the Mavericks or the Kings in this sector. This night, Tyrese Maxey and his teammates only shot 22 times, for 6 successes.
Nick Nurse is aware of this shortcoming, but he also appreciates that Joel Embiid, like Tyrese Maxey, are capable of finishing at the rim for high percentages.
“I like that our field goal success rate is very high”confirms the coach. “It’s a bit like in football, you want to concentrate a little on the races, and reaching the basket is a priority above all. To win in the NBA, you have to maintain a certain rhythm… Tonight, they scored 39 3-pointers, compared to 18 for us. It’s not about winning the 3-point battle, but you have to be relatively close to it, right? So yes, we need to do a little more.”
