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The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder through the first three quarters of Sunday’s scrimmage. (The Sixers ultimately went on to lose the game, 102-97.) Ben Simmons was productive despite five turnovers (and not taking a three pointer), scoring 14 points and adding on 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Joel Embiid did not play, sitting the game out after experiencing tightness in his right calf.
Starting in place of Embiid was Al Horford, rounding out a starting lineup including Simmons, Shake Milton, Josh Richardson, and Tobias Harris. Without Joel, the Sixers’ offense looked to move the ball quickly and work a handful of actions from the elbow.
This is likely the flow the Sixers are looking for out of their Elbow action. Hit Simmons at the Elbow, screening actions on both sides. Horford downscreens, Richardson screens from the corner. Milton attacks, forces help, kick to Horford, extra pass to Harris for 3. pic.twitter.com/9yiBU1FOHm
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) July 26, 2020
More Elbow action from the Sixers and they continue to build and play out of it. Hit Horford, screening actions on both sides. Harris able to catch and attack. Floor is spread with Horford spaced. Adams has to help, kick to Horford for the 3. Horford has to keep taking these. pic.twitter.com/aBV9isyQn0
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) July 26, 2020
The Sixers got a ton of good looks from behind the arc in the 1st half (10-23 3PT), with Shake Milton finishing 3 of 6 from deep and Horford going 4 of 5. By the time half rolled around, the Sixers had an 11-point lead. The starters played a bit in the 3rd quarter, but garbage time started early. The Sixers 2nd and 3rd stringers were unable to hold a lead, but there were a lot of positives in this exhibition for Philly.
Matisse bullying Schroeder
Dennis Schroeder did not have fun playing basketball against Matisse Thybulle:
Josh Richardson putting the ball on the floor
Good to see J-Rich initiating offense for the Sixers. In the first clip, Richardson is patient and sucks Steve Adams out of the restricted area so Pelle can get the easy bucket. In the second, J-Rich punishes a mismatch using a dribble pull-up.
Simmons with a laser to Richardson
Ben Simmons uses a size advantage to post up and wait for the perfect passing window:
Play of the Game
Not the most exciting play, but just pure, clean basketball.
The Sixers take on the Dallas Mavericks next on Tuesday, July 28th at 8:30 pm ET. It will be their final scrimmage before the seeding games in the NBA Orlando bubble.