Bell Ringer Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 3.5
Jaylen Brown – 1.5
VJ Edgecombe – 1
Joel Embiid – 1
LeBron James – 1
Anfernee Simons – 1
I know it worked last time, but fall behind by double figures almost immediately should not have remained the Sixers’ default strategy when facing the Cleveland Cavaliers. After trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, Philadelphia fought back to pull within just two points midway through the third quarter. This time, however, the Cavaliers absorbed Philly’s
counterpunch and put the Sixers back on the ropes. Philadelphia channeled last year’s third quarter team in suddenly collapsing the rest of the way in the frame, suddenly trailing by 17 points again heading into the final 12 minutes. The Sixers couldn’t complete the comeback this time, with Cleveland building upon their advantage to go on to win, 119-95. Philadelphia falls to 1-1 in NBA Cup East Group B action, blowing up their point differential in the process. Let’s take a look at tonight’s positive performances before moving past this one.
VJ Edgecombe: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 0 turnovers
On a night when the team’s two former NBA MVPs struggled mightily, it was the second-year stud who tried to put the Sixers on his back. Edgecombe scored 15 points in the second quarter alone to drag Philadelphia back into the game. He hit a trio of three-pointers, one that almost looked like a no-dip shot from the corner off some nice Sixers ball movement. Additionally, VJ created looks for himself, knocking down a couple of tough, fadeaway jumpers. It was a giant foam finger to all the “this roster will stunt VJ’s development” doomers. What a luxury to have this budding star as the fifth option in the offense, ready and able to attack the opposing side’s weakest defender.
Jaylen Brown – 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Jaylen didn’t have the scoring explosion of Wednesday night in Detroit, but it was still a solid performance from the former Celtic, who shot 9-of-19 from the field. It was a slow start to the game for Brown, who didn’t attempt his first shot until a little over one minute remained in the first quarter. Like Edgecombe, Brown did his best work in the second quarter, tallying nine points and a pair of assists in the frame to add least temporarily get the Sixers back into contention. Brown can bide his time within the structure of the offense, scoring off well-timed cuts or converting spot-up looks. But where he really differentiates himself is with those high degree-of-difficulty mid-range looks, where he can hit a fadeaway without even a sliver of space. It’s a wonderful tool to have available for those clogged offensive moments.
Jabari Walker – 8 points, 5 rebounds, 0 turnovers
With Adem Bona unavailable, Walker received expanded run at the backup center spot. I loved the energy he brought to the floor, keeping multiple possessions alive with his hustle on the offensive glass. Jabari also worked hard on the defensive end and it never appeared as though the Sixers were hurt by any sort of size disadvantage during those parts of the rotation. He continues to play well when given opportunities and we could be reaching a point where Walker gets more run during certain matchups even on occasions Bona is active.
