As the NBA season reaches its first checkpoint, on the night before Thanksgiving, there were plenty of reasons for which Brett Brown should be grateful.
Among them are Sixers rookie Matisse Thybulle.
In short order, Thybulle has become a dependable (albeit sparingly-used) member of Brown’s rotation, already proving himself to be a defensive stalwart and a rookie worthy of the minutes he’s been rewarded.
Entering play on November 27, Thybulle has played just 14 minutes per contest, but his defensive prowess is partially evidenced in the fact that he’s managed to record 1.3 steals per contest. It’s his offensive game that’s left something to be desired. That was, until Wednesday night.
Thybulle recorded the first double-digit scoring night of his career in the Sixers’ matchup with the Sacramento Kings. With Josh Richardson being lost due to some hamstring tightness, Thybulle finished the game with his sixth 20-minute outing of the season, as well as a career-high 15 points.
THAT'S OUR BOY.
Thybulle jammin on em! pic.twitter.com/8p1QmjUXs2
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 28, 2019
More impressively than the points, however, was the fact that the rookie shot 5-for-5 from the field, including 3-for-3 from 3-point territory. He also had three rebounds, four steals and two blocks in what was easily his best performance of the season.
Final: #sixers win 97-91, improve to 12-6 on the season and 8-0 at the Wells Fargo Center. Matisse Thybulle stole the show in this one, with 15 points on 5-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Embiid (33 and 16) wasn't bad either. Sixers shot just 5-26 from 3.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) November 28, 2019
With Harris missing in action, Thybulle took full advantage of his opportunity.
The Sixers prevailed by a final score of 97-91, good for their 12th win on the season. They have also improved to 8-0 at Wells Fargo Center as they arrive at the Thanksgiving break with fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference.