Sixers not named Simmons or Embiid who will win games

Sixers not named Simmons or Embiid who will win games: Matisse Thybulle

As a second year player, Matisse Thybulle has flat out dominated opponents defensively. It is no question how much of an impact he has on a game. Using his stealth tactics and cerebral approach to shutting down an opposing team’s most important players, Thybulle can turn the tide at any juncture of a game.

Look at how Thybulle has shut down some of the NBA’s most elite scorers this season. According to NBA.com’s head-to-head stats, he held Kemba Walker, Zach Lavine, and Devin Booker under 30 percent shooting. Against speedster De’Aaron Fox, Thybulle forced him into 36 percent shooting. Keep in mind, he averaged only 20 minutes a night. So, imagine if he had played 15 more minutes in these games. Yikes.

Just how can Thybulle win a game for the Sixers in the playoffs? If his team needs a big stop versus Bradley Beal or Russell Westbrook late in a game, his number will surely be called like it was in the regular season. Need evidence? Look no further than performances in tight games where he was relied on to get a big stop in crunch time.

A prime example of this is when Philly was in a close game in San Antonio. On a possession where veteran Patty Mills pulled up for a jump shot which could have given the Spurs a lead, Thybulle blocked the shot from behind. It was a thing of beauty. This gave Philly a chance to win in overtime.

Although his offense is unreliable, his ability to shift the outcome of a playoff game with his steals, blocks, and deflections is remarkable. In game one versus Washington, he proved his defensive playoff value by creating havoc in the third quarter that helped the Sixers go on a run.

At any point throughout a game, Thybulle can be counted on to lock down the other team’s most dangerous threat. In essence, he is like the Deion Sanders of the NBA. Try and score on him if you dare, but in the end, opponents will lose more than they win.