The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 notes after the Sixers’ loss to Boston, 0-2 start

By Christopher Kline

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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4. This defense is a mess

It’s worth noting that, in theory, that was not a very good Boston team. They were short Gordon Hayward (prayers up, endlessly), Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart while essentially surrounding Al Horford and Kyrie Irving with an undersized, under-experienced supporting cast. Aron Baynes and Horford — who both started — are the only players on that roster who reach the 6-foot-10 mark height-wise.

Even against an undersized group without the depth this Sixers team should have, Philadelphia got shredded at times. Baynes found his way onto the boards way too easily, while a lack of defensive fundamentals and a slow-footed Embiid led to open shots galore during certain stretches of the game.

Conditioning is still hurting Embiid, and it’s painfully obvious on the defensive end. He had a couple of nice plays underneath, but otherwise looked slow and a step behind on recoveries and contests at the rim. Most of the team also refuses to push through screens, while Fultz and Bayless are both revolving doors on that side of the ball.

That was combined with some generally bad fundamentals that led to a number of bad fouls, open driving lanes and uncontested threes that simply can’t be given up. With Embiid and Covington, the Sixers have the personnel needed to be an above-average defensive team. Now it’s time to start playing like one.