The Sixer Sense
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Ersan Ilyasova is crucial to first round success

By Davis Carbaugh

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Ersan Ilyasova has been a critical part of the Philadelphia 76ers’ rotation in round one.

Not many Philadelphia 76ers fans saw this coming, but one of the biggest factors in the Miami series has turned out to be the play of Ersan Ilyasova.

With the absence of Joel Embiid, replacements down low are the hot commodity. While Amir Johnson got the start in game one, it became clear within the first quarter that more offensive production was needed in the frontcourt.

Queue Ersan Ilyasova

Coming off the bench in game one, Ilyasova put up 17 points and 14 rebounds. Surprisingly, he maintained the second highest minutes played behind only Ben Simmons. Ilyasova’s three deep balls provided the Sixers with a huge spark, particularly in the third quarter, and created a matchup nightmare for Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.

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In game two, it was Ersan Ilyasova starting at center instead of Johnson. The difference for the Heat in this matchup was that they saw him coming. Nothing came easy for the Turkish big man in only his fourth start of the season, but he still totaled 14 points and 11 rebounds on 7-10 shooting from the field.

Impact on Miami

That being said, if Ilyasova is on the court then Hassan Whiteside will be on the bench. The Heat effectively remove the rim protector from the game when tasked with guarding the more explosive Ilyasova.

Despite playing in only 27 minutes through two games, Whiteside is still one of Miami’s best players as far as I am concerned. So, the more he is off the court the better chance the Sixers have of utilizing Saric and Ilyasova.

What stood out to me in game two was Ilyasova’s tenacity on the boards. Six offensive rebounds is an impressive stat by itself, but what does not show up on the score card is Ilyasova’s hustle on nearly every rebounding battle with the Heat’s interior players.

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Playoff outlook

Even when Embiid returns, Ilyasova’s determination on the boards will be huge for the 76ers in those tough stretches late in games.

Since Ilyasova’s playing style is relatively similar to that of Dario Saric, Brett Brown may look to supplement the two post players interchangeably next to Embiid. While watching the two Euro-style big men play side-by-side in game two was an entertaining sight, their performances will flourish when playing alongside Embiid.

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Ironically, late=game energy seems to rely heavily on the 76ers’ two trade deadline acquisitions: Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova. The two veterans have proven that while they may not be consistent enough to start critical games for the Sixers, they can surely provide the spark needed to beat an opponent like Miami.