Candis R. McLean
The Philadelphia 76ers took on the GuangzhouGuangzhou Longlions tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers predictably dominated the matchup which ended in a 144-86 blowout. There were several questions coming into the 2019-2020 season. Fans and analysts questioned Ben Simmons’ shot, the additions of Al Horford and Josh Richardson, the depth of the bench, and more. With the first glimpse at the new-look “bully-ball” Sixers in the books, 76ers nations has a lot to be smiling about.
• Ben Simmons’ Shot
Ben Simmons hits the 3! 👀👀👀 #Sixers #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/qCsdqGgXGL
— Philly Influencer (@PHL_Influencer) October 9, 2019
The dream the Sixers fans have been wishing for finally became a reality. With seconds fading in the first hard of the game, Ben Simmons nailed a three-pointer. The Wells Fargo Center erupted a well as the fanbase around the world. Simmons told reporters in the offseason that he would shoot if he was open. He was true to his word Tuesday night.
• Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle was on the floor for 17 mins. The rangy rookie finished the game with 10 points (4-6 FGs), 2 blocks, 3 steals, 2 assist, and 3 rebounds. The team was +33 with him on the floor. He showed off his athleticism, knack for being around the ball, and aggressive style of play.
• Length Leading to Rebounds and Stops
The Sixers had 51 rebounds (36 defensive and 15 offensive) in the game. The team also had ten steals. A lot of offseason noise was made about the length of the starting lineup. Against the Lions, the second chance opportunities and stops were in abundance.
• The New Kids on the Block
Josh Richardson shined in his Sixers debut. The startings SG played 22 mins in the preseason contest. He finished with 16 pts (6-9 FGs), which included being 3-5 beyond the arc. He had 3 assists, 2 steals, and made his only free throw. Al Horford scored 8 points in his 17 mins of play. Horford also had a steal, rebound, and assist. There seemed to be no spacing issues in the early tilt between Horford and Embiid. The new additions to the starting lineup are having a seamless transition so far.
• The Bench
The Sixers bench has some recognizable names and returning players but confidence in that group was up-and-down all offseason. The unknown ability and rotation of the bench players still remain the topic of discussion. Four bench players (James Ennis III, Trey Burke, Marial Shayok, and the aforementioned Thybulle) scored in the double-digits tonight. The bench corralled 8 of the 15 offensive rebounds in the game. There was a great showing of athleticism and scoring brights spots with the range of players.
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
Subscribe, rate, and review all Philly Influencer podcasts here. Follow Philly Influencer onTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram.