DETROIT–Poor shooting nights are going to happen in the NBA. Over the course of an 82-game season, guys are going to struggle at times and that’s when they have to find other ways to contribute.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey provided an example of that in Wednesday’s 129-111 win over the Detroit Pistons on the road. Maxey struggled shooting the ball as he started the night 0-for-7, didn’t convert on a field goal until the third quarter, and finished 2-for-13 on the night overall.
However, Maxey had a solid night. He had nine points and nine assists in the win and coach Nick Nurse highlighted his play as an example for the Sixers to learn from on the nights shots aren’t falling.
“That’s one of my–you can still play good when you go 2-of-13,” Nurse said. “I think his defense is improving, I like how he’s getting to the ball now and defeating some of the screens they are trying to set on him on his own. That’s a really big step forward for him.”
Nurse is correct. It’s basketball. Sometimes guys are going to miss shots, but if they can still find a way to contribute even with the poor shooting, then the Sixers will be in great shape.
For example, against the Pistons, Maxey was able to play solid defense and be able to get his teammates involved with his playmaking.
“The passing, I thought he made a lot of good reads,” Nurse added. “It’s not going to go in every night – it almost does for him – but it doesn’t go in every night, and he still played a very, very good game.”
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