Confidence is a huge asset in anything a person can do in their lifetime, especially in the NBA. For Philadelphia 76ers rookie Matisse Thybulle, he continues to exude it after receiving the necessary support from his teammates. He scored 20 points while drilling five from deep to help the Sixers beat the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
“I think it’s the confidence that my teammates and the coaches have in me,” he said. “Knowing that they believe in me and that they have trust in me to go out there, make plays, and contribute is huge for my own personal confidence. I know that their support has been huge for me coming in and knowing that they trust me to make these shots helps me make them.”
Thybulle had entered the night shooting 57.1% from deep over the previous six games and Sunday’s game just kept his hot shooting going. His play has caught the eye of his coach who sees his rookie getting much more comfortable on the floor.
“He does,” said Brown. “He takes his shots confidently and doesn’t blink. In general, he’s playing with the balance and he’s playing with the spirit. For sure, he is trending upwards. You feel it with the group and you can feel it with him. He’s getting far more confident and far more aware of what his role is.”
The Sixers drafted Thybulle with the intention of him becoming the team’s new 3-and-D player essentially providing what Robert Covington once gave this team. Along with his offensive production, he came up with three steals as he was active in the passing lanes and he continued to take steps forward.
“He’s been great the whole season and he’s bringing it every night, especially defensively,” said Joel Embiid. “Even though we have so many guys that can score the ball, him adding what he’s been adding, especially his shooting, has been tremendous.”
The confidence and the uplifting he has received from the organization has played a key role in his development and him being able to take the steps forward he has made in the early part of the season.
The key now is to keep it rolling as the team hosts the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. [lawrence-related id=20933,20924,20917]