3 takeaways after Sixers win preseason opener over NZ Breakers

Nick Nurse expressed satisfaction after an exciting night when 19 Sixers played and 17 scored; “I just felt good about how we attacked their defenses,” Nurse stated. “We’re working to build ball pressure, deflections and turnovers; as well as pace this year more than in prior seasons — throw-aheads and getting up the floor — as part of a comprehensive offense strategy. And get everyone playing,” coach Jeff Brooks explained. “Training camp offered us plenty of insight, yet you never quite know what you’re assessing when playing against yourself. Tonight was an eye-opener as much of it became confirmed: an important start towards building the foundation. “The Sixers will play their second exhibition game against the Timberwolves Friday in Des Moines, Iowa and here are my observations following their rout over the Breakers:Drummond was let free Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond both found spots in starting lineup of Sixers; Staying true to form, Drummond was particularly entertaining to watch in this contest. He scored the game’s opening basket off Maxey’s hit-ahead feed before Gordon became one of five Sixers starters who participated in scoring three three pointers after an offensive rebound by Drummond. Maxey made an early three-point play to extend Philadelphia’s advantage; Drummond followed suit shortly afterwards by nailing one from left corner – his last regular-season three was back on Feb 24 2020! Although improbable, he appears willing to work on his jumper and fire when wide open during games. He attempted another one later in the first quarter but failed to hit it successfully. Andre Drummond fired three corner 3’s as Sixers completed shootaround to prepare for their preseason opener tonight against New Zealand Breakers: pic.twitter.com/gwhsCPvlYf– Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) October 7, 2024Drummond played seven minutes and changed in this contest, tallying five points and five rebounds during that span. Unfortunately, however, he was called for two early fouls which compromised his performance and eventually resulted in two early penalties being assessed to him. Drummond likes to look for forced turnovers, something Nurse is likely more forgiving of than most coaches. Maxey and McCain’s shotmaking Maxey was exactly as one would expect of an All-Star player: He played all but the second period without stopping, speeding past every defender in sight with ease and moving effortlessly over court. McCain, too, made shots that left nurses gasping. Jared McCain also knocked down four three-pointers from nine long distance attempts; hitting both step-back threes as well as catch-and-shoot triples during the second quarter alone. Young players aiming to both impress and learn professional basketball benefit greatly from seeing jumpers go in, creating confidence-inducing moments like these. “Since summer league, I’ve just worked on catch-and-shoot shots. After my first one went in it was such a relief – from then on it just became muscle memory!” according to McCain. “McCain had an uneven showing overall; scoring just once inside the arc while getting beat off-dribble defensively on multiple occasions. McCain finished his team-high 28 minutes with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and the feeling “of my life”. McCain likened it to playing NBA 2K: “This experience feels amazing; there’s no word to describe it!” “This night felt incredible; like being back home.” “Having played 2K since childhood and watching basketball since I could walk, tonight felt amazing when it finally felt right to put on that jersey!” “Keep an Eye on the Rotation Picture Although Nurse described Guerschon Yabusele on media day as not fitting into either three or five categories, he made his NBA debut playing center behind Drummond at 28 years old.” Yabusele appears to be an invaluable backup big man option in the NBA. Making his return after missing 2019 due to injury, Yabusele scored 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting for two assists on Monday morning during his NBA return and described it as feeling special: “It feels great; just coming into this arena has been amazing so far!” “So far everything’s been wonderful so far” he added on his experience playing back into NBA competition. “I’m just having fun and trying to have as much enjoyment out of this as I possibly can while striving to become better. Yabusele will likely see his bulk of minutes come full strength nights for the Sixers as power forward.” He appears capable of finding points simply through running the floor and planting himself in the paint when faced with an opportunity. He should enjoy success as an effective hard roller off of his screens as well. Rookie Adem Bona was selected as the Sixers third-string center against the Breakers, playing alongside teammates like McCain, Justin Edwards and Lester Quinones for youthful lineups that featured Lester Quinones among others. Also noteworthy: Kyle Lowry shared court time with Maxey during the final five or so minutes of the first quarter before splitting back off onto another position on defense in timeout. KJ Martin provided backup power forward assistance behind Caleb Martin and contributed six points, three rebounds, and two steals in 10 first-half minutes of playing time. Nurse noted prior to tonight’s game that Martin has shown significant development as a shooter since last season. Ricky Council IV didn’t attempt any three-pointers Monday, but we will soon discover whether that progress translates into games. On 5-5 shooting and 6 boards for 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting from Ricky, you might catch an unexpected highlight while storming forward onto an open floor court! Like KJ Martin, Ricky hopes his strong preseason work can earn early rotation time during regular season play.