3 Takeaways as 76ers pull off stunning win in Vegas Summer League action

1. The 76ers got out-muscled by the Timberwolves

The 76ers’ stingy defense was also highlighted in my previous article. In that, I shared how opponents are routinely shooting less than 40 percent from the field and Tuesday night’s game was no different as the Timberwolves converted 38 percent of their attempts. Unfortunately, Philadelphia once again lost the rebounding battle. 

The Timberwolves outrebounded the 76ers 44 to 36 and collected 18 offensive rebounds. Of the six games the 76ers have played, they have only surpassed their opponent in rebounds two times giving up 10+ offensive rebounds in every single contest. The most offensive rebounds the 76ers gave up was the 26 collected by the Grizzlies back in Utah. 

Causing misses is one aspect of defense and securing defensive rebounds is another. The latter is where Philly continues to have their trouble. Improved positioning by Bona will help. He is contesting with improved discipline and verticality. He picks his spots to chase blocks knowing his presence alone alters the shot attempts of his opponents.

This is a good development. The next area of growth is positioning himself correctly to obtain the rebound. Sometimes he is too deep under the rim neutralizing the effectiveness of his block out. Other times, he finds himself on the wrong side of the rim when perimeter shots are taken. 

Reps and film study will aid him with his positional errors. But one cannot question his heart, effort, or desire. There is a reason why the front office secured him with a four-year rookie contract.