3 observations after Sixers high Nets in preseason, Nurse continues experimentation

3 observations after Sixers top Nets in preseason, Nurse continues experimentation initially appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

In a single week, the Sixers will host the Milwaukee Bucks in entrance of a fired-up, sold-out Wells Fargo Middle crowd and formally kick off their 2024-25 season.

Wednesday’s matchup with the Nets was their final contest in Philadelphia earlier than that sport. They received it by a 117-95 margin, bettering to 3-2 within the preseason.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was the the staff’s main scorer with 18 factors on 5-for-8 capturing.

The Sixers’ preseason finale is Friday evening in Orlando in opposition to the Magic. Listed below are observations on their victory over Brooklyn:

Nurse testing out his ahead choices

As Sixers head coach Nick Nurse kinds by means of all his choices, it’s apparent that he’s nonetheless actively exploring what he’s acquired along with his position participant forwards.

On Wednesday, he determined to begin KJ Martin on the 4. Martin performed a stable sport Monday within the Sixers’ exhibition win over the Hawks and has just lately gave the impression to be forward of Ricky Council IV within the staff’s pecking order.

The Sixers’ offense didn’t circulation easily within the first couple of minutes in opposition to the Nets. Martin had a lefty layup blocked, Tyrese Maxey turned the ball over on a move alongside the baseline, and the Sixers had been usually tentative as a unit.

Eric Gordon remained within the beginning 5 and helped the Sixers get cooking. He drained each of his three-point makes an attempt within the first quarter and in addition nabbed a steal that fueled a fast-break alley-oop from Maxey to Oubre. A bit of later, Maxey noticed Martin sneaking open and set him up for a slam, too. The pair teamed up as soon as extra within the second quarter.

Though Martin declined a possible nook three-pointer late within the first quarter and stayed at 0 for 1 from lengthy vary this preseason, he once more contributed in a wide range of methods. He performed 26 minutes and completed with 12 factors, six rebounds and two assists.

The Sixers’ different Martin — former Heat forward Caleb Martin — checked in off the bench for a second consecutive sport. Nurse mentioned Tuesday that he was “simply experimenting slightly bit” with the 29-year-old Martin on the second unit.

“What’s he most likely going to provide us? He’s going to provide us some vitality off the bench, proper? Which I assumed we lacked within the earlier sport,” Nurse mentioned. “So once more, we’re simply making an attempt to unravel that equation slightly bit. It cut up up Kyle (Lowry) and Eric slightly bit, which can also be a part of the plan. So it’s simply sort of two completely different appears to be like. I feel it’ll be fairly fluid as we go right here for a short while.”

Caleb Martin made a powerful play Wednesday when, with the Nets’ protection centered on Maxey, he introduced the ball up, drove arduous to the rim, and scored a nifty and-one layup. Subsequent time down, he acquired into the paint and kicked the ball out to Jared McCain, whose three-point attempt went out and in. Martin’s competency at nearly the whole lot signifies that experiments involving him are unlikely to fail.

Guerschon Yabusele nonetheless initially served because the Sixers’ backup heart, however he additionally performed at energy ahead late within the second quarter. With their Yabusele-Andre Drummond frontcourt, the Sixers turned to zone protection and used Caleb Martin and Oubre as their rangy perimeter items.

Yabusele made a spotlight play simply earlier than the halftime buzzer, selecting off a Dorian Finney-Smith inbounds move and storming in for a dunk.

As soon as Joel Embiid’s out there and Nurse gathers extra in-game information about his new gamers, the staff’s ahead image ought to develop clearer.

First-quarter McCain minutes, regarding second within the fourth

Lowry (relaxation) sat out Wednesday’s sport together with Embiid (left knee management) and Paul George (left knee bone bruise).

Neither Embiid nor George will play within the Sixers’ preseason finale both. George is set to be re-evaluated early next week.

Lowry’s absence opened the door for first-quarter McCain minutes within the backcourt with Maxey. The 20-year-old at first regarded a tad extra snug than within the Sixers’ preseason opener at Wells Fargo Center. He struggled within the third quarter, although. McCain dedicated 4 turnovers in his six-plus minutes of third-period motion. The rookie was bothered by Brooklyn’s ball strain and unable to proceed taking part in at his tempo.

He had a worrisome second within the fourth quarter when he missed a shot inside after which, after reaching up for the rebound, landed arduous on his again.

Members of the Sixers’ coaching employees attended to a shaken-up McCain and finally assisted him again to the locker room. This story shall be up to date when extra info on his standing is offered.

Oubre in assault mode

Oubre performed 21 minutes within the first half and produced loads.

The Sixers pressured 13 first-half turnovers, which enabled Oubre and Maxey and firm to play recurrently in transition. Oubre was decisive and efficient within the half courtroom as effectively. He shot 6 for 7 on the foul line and a pair of for 3 past the arc. The 28-year-old lefty is at 6 for 17 (35.3 p.c) this preseason from three-point vary.

The Sixers sat Oubre and most of their veterans for the second half, leaning on kids equivalent to McCain and Council.

Jeff Dowtin Jr. was comparatively skilled at 27 years previous and performed a pleasant second half, recording 11 factors on 5-for-7 capturing, three rebounds and three assists.