II. Defense on Victor Oladipo was tremendous
The fact is that Indiana Pacers leading scorer Victor Oladipo was, for all intents and purposes, neutralized in this one. Sure, He got one three-pointer to fall in the fourth, but the Philadelphia 76ers held him in check. Or rather, Robert Covington held him in check. That’s the second time the 76ers defense has neutralized the opposing team’s big scorer. In the other contest, the team delivered a stifling defense upon Charlotte Hornet’s Kemba Walker.
Or rather, Robert Covington did.
Did fans boo Covington? Really?
I was not at the game, but was told during the contest that fans were booing Robert Covington. I hope that’s not so. Philadelphia 76ers fans are a high IQ bunch. As such, they know that basketball offense sells tickets, but basketball defense wins championships. If not, then it’s a lesson I hope they master quickly.
if the only measure to a fan’s willing to cheer a player happens when the player scores, we’re a narrow focused bunch. The days of playground basketball scoring fests are behind us Philadelphia. That’s why we turned on Jahlil Okafor, remember? Covington spent his energy remaining close to Oladipo, energy which could have been spent on offense. As a result, Covington shut down Indiana’s Victor Oladipo like few had this season. Three blocks. Oladipo’s single worst shooting performance of the season. 19 percent. 19 percent from one of the hottest handed scorers in the NBA? Props to Robert Covington. He’s playoff ready.