The Philadelphia 76ers just picked up a big win over the Indiana Pacers, earning a 131-124 victory. They didn’t play great defense against a Pacers team that likes to run, but luckily for them, it didn’t matter too much. Because the Sixers put up a ton of points themselves, and LeBron James really honed in on his playmaking abilities, which the team should love.
James ended the night with 15 points and seven rebounds while shooting 5-of-8 from the field, 0-of-2 from behind the arc, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. He didn’t do much scoring. But he dished out 11 assists and only turned the ball over twice. That’s a dream for the 76ers.
This is the type of James performance that the Sixers should want to see every single game. He should be a hub, not a go-to scorer.
76ers should love LeBron James the playmaker
James can still light it up. Obviously. There will be plenty of games throughout the course of the season (and the playoffs) that James decides to turn up the heat in the scoring column.
But on a night-to-night basis, especially during the slog that is the regular season, James should focus on his playmaking. Focus on his passing. That’s what the Sixers should want from him.
Let the other guys take care of the scoring. Jaylen Brown put up 31 points against the Pacers on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey had 27 points of his own. And the depth pieces played well, too.
Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade each had 12 points. Jabari Walker and VJ Edgecombe each scored 11. James focused on dishing the rock, and the result was a big-time scoring night for the Sixers.
In fact, in games when James has at least seven assists this season, the 76ers are now 6-0. It’s clear: When he becomes an elite facilitator, the Sixers are better off for it. It’s what the team should want from him.
When James is playmaking at a high level, the team runs smoothly. He’s one of the best offensive hubs in NBA history, so of course the Sixers play well when he’s passing well. That should have always been obvious.
The defense needs to be better. The Sixers can’t give up 124 points every night and expect to win consistently. But James and his playmaking lifted the team up. His 11 assists were huge.
Philadelphia should want him playing a pass-first role for most of the season.
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