The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first three quarters of Sunday’s practice game. (The Sixers eventually lost the game, 102-97.) Ben Simmons was productive despite five turnovers (and without taking a triple), scoring 14 points and adding 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Joel Embiid did not play, leaving the game out after experiencing tightness in his right calf.
Starting in Embiid’s place was Al Horford, completing an initial lineup that includes Simmons, Shake Milton, Josh Richardson and Tobias Harris. Without Joel, the Sixers’ offense sought to move the ball quickly and take a handful of actions from the elbow.
This is probably the flow that the Sixers seek out of their elbow action. Hit Simmons on the elbow, examining actions on both sides. Horford lowers the screen, Richardson watches from the corner. Milton attacks, forces help, kick Horford, extra pass to Harris by 3. pic.twitter.com/9yiBU1FOHm
– Steve Jones Jr. (@ stevejones20) July 26, 2020
More action from the Sixers’ elbow and they continue to build and play outside of it. Hit Horford, detection actions on both sides. Harris capable of catching and attacking. The floor extends with Horford spaced. Adams has to help, kick Horford by 3. Horford has to keep taking these. pic.twitter.com/aBV9isyQn0
– Steve Jones Jr. (@ stevejones20) July 26, 2020
The Sixers had plenty of good looks behind the arc in the first half (10-23 3PT), with Shake Milton finishing 3-for-6 from deep and Horford 4-for-5. By the time the half rolled, the Sixers had an 11 advantage points. The starters played a bit in the third quarter, but the trash time started early. The Sixers 2nd and 3rd stringers weren’t able to maintain an advantage, but there were a lot of positive things in this exhibition for Philly.
Matisse bullying Schroeder
Dennis Schroeder had no fun playing basketball against Matisse Thybulle:
Josh Richardson putting the ball on the floor
It’s good to see J-Rich start the offense for the Sixers. In the first clip, Richardson is patient and sucks Steve Adams out of the restricted area so Pelle can get the easy bucket. In the second, J-Rich punishes a mismatch using a dribble pull-up.
Simmons with a laser for Richardson
Ben Simmons uses a size advantage to post and expect the perfect pass window:
Game play
It is not the most exciting play, but simply pure and clean basketball.
The Sixers will face the Dallas Mavericks next Tuesday, July 28 at 8:30 pm ET. It will be his final scrimmage before the seed games in the NBA’s Orlando bubble.
