3 observations from Sixers preseason win over Brooklyn Nets
After long wait, everyone finally got to see a glimpse of the new-look Sixers. While they were still without some key pieces, it did not matter in the preseason opener. Led by Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers kick off the year in the win column with a 127-108 win over Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets. Here are some observations from the action.
Sixers shoot the lights out from deep
One of the main things Daryl Morey has emphasized since joining the Sixers’ front office is outside shooting. Even more so this offseason, when he brought in multiple players who can be threats from beyond the arc.
Early on against the Nets, it was clear that Doc Rivers has been preaching for guys to be willing shooters off the catch. More importantly, they were effective doing so. They came out of the gates firing and connected on eight of their first 14 attempts.
While they finished the game shooting 34% from deep, they did so on 44 attempts. Seeing how willing guys are to be spot-up options from three should bode well for when Joel Embiid and James Harden join the action.
New additions make good first impressions
P.J. Tucker and Danuel House did not take the floor against Brooklyn, but De’Anthony Melton and Montrezl Harrell both made their debut for their new team. There were some blemishes, but both players managed to make good first impressions.
Melton had a rough night shooting the ball (2-10 FG, 1-7 3P) but excelled in other areas. His hard-nosed defense was on full display from tip-off, and he managed to come away with three steals.
Harrell only played 11 minutes, but he did what he was known for, making life miserable for opposing second units. In his small stint on the court, the former Sixth man of the Year tallied six points, five rebounds, and three assists on 3-for-5 shooting from the field.
For their first taste of live action with their new teammates, Melton and Harrell started their Sixers tenure on the right foot.
Tyrese Maxey is a legit star
With no Embiid or Harden in the mix, Tyrese Maxey had the green light to put on a show against the Nets. He kicked off the game with a pair of threes off the dribble en route to posting 20 points in just 13 minutes of action.
Not much else can be said at this point. Tyrese Maxey is an emerging star in this league.
Even with guys like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the other side, the 21-year-old still looked like the best player on the floor for stretches.
It’s only the first game of the preseason, and Maxey already looks like he’s in mid-season form. He appears more than ready to build off the breakout year he had in 2022.
Mandatory Credit: Sporting News
