Why Can’t the Philadelphia 76ers Score?

It feels like ancient history. Yes, the 76ers (8-37) actually scored 115 points vs. the Memphis Grizzlies in December (and lost). The Sixers have not, however, scored 100 points in their last twenty-one contests and they are averaging under 90 points per game (dead last in the NBA) over their last two dozen games. They have only eclipsed the century mark six times this season, and we all know “the Papa John’s thing.”

The Sixers are also very unpredictable when it comes to output. For example, they managed to score 100 vs. the San Antonio Spurs on December 1, but only 85 in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Philly has failed to score 90 points a whopping twenty times this year.

The Sixers have not, however, scored 100 points in their last twenty-one contests and they are averaging under 90 points per game (dead last in the NBA) over their last two dozen games.

Already, the 76ers have failed to secure 80 points a stunning seven times this season. That means they could conceivably have fourteen games under 80 points before the season is through.

One reason is the shooting percentage. Philadelphia has shot under 40.0 percent from the field in roughly their last ten outings. In one victory this season they shot 39 percent.

One reason for the shooting woes is their youth. The inexperienced Sixers are also at times over matched. For instance, against New Orleans, Nerlens Noel, ended up with just two points on 1-for-9 shooting.

Noel commented, “I probably should have slowed my mind down. I was thinking about the game too much. I need to have the mindset of playing within myself. … I should have found better ways to get myself going during the game.”

And coach Brett Brown said recently regarding Noel, “I think because he plays too fast in his mind, he bobbles balls,” Brown said. “I also think we throw him darts and torpedoes that nobody is going to catch.”

In Noel’s defense, the basketball movement in the half-court is not what it should be and the Sixers guard play often times is the stagnant culprit.

Brown asserted, “I don’t care if they are happy, they have to make themselves happy. As a team, communicating as a team, it’s a family. They don’t need a guidance counselor or marriage counselor to figure this stuff out. They can figure it out themselves.”

This came at a time Noel reminded that ,”We’re a young team, so obviously we have to work on the way we run [offense]. Anyone can get more touches. It was just stagnant. If the ball is moving then everyone is getting touches — not shots even, just touches.”

Some thoughts and observations on the Sixers offensively:

The Sixers need to push the ball up the floor fast, in transition, and look to get paint touches or corner three’s. Furthermore, Noel could get touches this way as he struggles with his back to the basket.

The Sixers need to shoot three’s in rhythm. Robert Covington, may be their best shooter, is organized and confident with his approach.  The Sixers should watch the fluidity of the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors and their long ball shooting.

Nerlens Noel needs to play physical and learn offensive timing just as he does with his shot-blocking. He is way too good to shoot listless jump hooks from mid-range.

The perimeter players need to be craftier scorers in the pick and roll actions.

The Sixers need to improve their free throw shooting. They only shoot 67 percent.

The Sixers are shooting a 30th place 29 percent from three.

The Sixers play too much isolation offense and it does not help to create shots, only upset feelings.

On the bright side, the team is improving and they are in good coaching and management hands. Stay the course.

Go Sixers!