PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have dealt with a spate of injuries for the majority of November and December. After a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, the Sixers are 13-12 despite the injury issues.
While the injury focus has been on James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, their key reserves have dealt with issues as well.
Matisse Thybulle has been dealing with an ankle issue for the better part of the season. After three days off, he played 13:25 and scored a season-high nine points off the bench.
“I felt good,” said Thybulle. “The body felt good. I think tonight it was more of a cardio thing just having to play that many straight minutes. Three days off, it felt good to get back out there and get a sweat.”
He was moving well off the ball which led to his offense. That is his most significant aspect with him. If he can continue to read and react to his teammates and find the open spots within the defense, he can be a very effective offensive player as he was on Friday.
“Guys found me,” Thybulle added. “I was able to get to the open spot and just finish easy buckets.”
Of course, having James Harden run the offensive end helps Thybulle. He is able to read what The Beard is doing and find those open spots for easy looks.
“I think last year, I got a really good feel of moving without the ball, and then this year’s just been doing it with a better awareness of who I’m doing it around,” he finished. “James is such a good passer that now that I have a better feel for him, it creates more opportunities for me.”
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