The Philadelphia 76ers continue to pick up the pieces following their third straight loss 117-98 to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Joel Embiid says the team played scared while coach Brett Brown is concerned with his team’s psyche as they struggle to score against the zone defense. Maybe it’s all of that.
Mike Scott, who scored seven points off the bench, believes Philadelphia just needs to find their confidence again. That Philly edge and toughness that has marked their identity for much of the season.
“Of course, the zone has been giving us a little trouble,” said Scott. “Shots not falling, which I think will come, but just got to get back to playing with that swagger, find that edge again. It’s been missing the past couple of games, so we’ve just got to find that.”
It’s easy to get frustrated after losing three games in a row and especially with the way they’ve done so losing to teams that have used a zone defense. They have not been able to find that edge on their own defensive end.
“Yeah, no one likes losing,” Scott continued. “So, yeah, guys are frustrated, but we will come back tomorrow and have another game. Just got to find that edge…You’re not supposed to let your offense dictate your defense. Easier said than done.”
The Sixers will look to find that grit and toughness on Saturday when they host the Washington Wizards. The Wizards aren’t the same defensive team as Philadelphia’s previous two opponents, but they’re just as potent offensively. It will be a new challenge for the Sixers to try and get back on the horse. [lawrence-related id=21774,21751,21736]