CAMDEN, N.J.–Philadelphia 76ers wing player Matisse Thybulle is one of the elite defenders in the NBA as he enters his fourth season in the league, but one thing that continues to hold him back is his offensive game.
Thybulle worked hard all summer long in order to become a better 3-point shooter and he saw some progression in that area in Monday’s preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. After he missed his first two 3-pointers, he knocked down his final three attempts from deep in order to take some steps forward in that area.
“I’m super proud just because he’s putting the time and the work in and just having the mentality to let it fly,” said Tobias Harris. “I don’t care how many shots he makes. I just care that he’s letting them go and it’s real growth because you just look at the game, the first one was an airball. More times than not, most guys fall into a tunnel, like should I take the next one? And the next one he took was a fast 3, no conscious. That type of mentality is huge.”
Coach Doc Rivers discussed his shot on Saturday after the team’s Blue X White scrimmage in Delaware and he admitted that Thybulle is not a good shooter yet. However, because of the work he puts in, that will come at some point.
“Just for somebody that has had this knack of, is he a good shooter? Is he not? But he puts his time in, he’s confident with it, and he’s able to let them fly, and he was rewarded for all that throughout the game,” Harris added. “He does so much great things on the defensive end, but really what you’re seeing now the preseason is him being able to knock shots down, be confident shooting the basketball, and that’s what we need for our group.”
Thybulle has also been working with teammate Furkan Korkmaz on the offensive end of the floor in terms of his shooting. Korkmaz had a down year shooting in the 2021-22 season, but overall in his career, he is known for his shooting. Thybulle working with him is a good sign.
“I’m glad that he’s feeling good,” Korkmaz said. “In practice, we are shooting together most of the time. I can see that he’s feeling more comfortable, more fresh-minded. I think he reset himself and then he’s ready to knock down those 3s in the regular season.”
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