Five Takeaways Philadelphia 76ers Defeat Phoenix Suns

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Mar 12, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) looses control of the ball while being fouled by Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) and guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 125-111. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaway Three: Hollis Thompson and Nik Stauskas Improved

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2016-2017 season with some difficult choices to make in paring down for the 15 man roster. With the team addressing the back court with three free agent signings, it appeared to be a true uphill battle for either Hollis Thompson and Nik Stauskas to make this team.

Retaining both players seemed to be a long shot.

Still, head coach Brett Brown likely spoke up for both players. Brown respects a solid work ethic, and both players spent the summer working extra to improve their shooting and defense. In the end, the team retained both veterans.

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Against the Phoenix Suns, the pair combined for 35 points on 13 out of 18 shooting , including 8 of 11 from three point range.

Before the season began, I had expected the Philadelphia 76ers bench to impact games, but from the defensive side of the game. That bench would have included Nerlens Noel, Richaun Holmes, Jerami Grant, and even Robert Covington (with Ben Simmons starting).

But it’s been Nik Stauska and Hollis Thompson who have been solid recently. Stauskas is beginning to deliver the promise of a perimeter scoring threat, while Thompson has been the lone player to deliver for Brown each of Brown’s four years of coaching.

While the team has improved in the long range shooting, both Stauskas and Thompson are shooting better than the team average.