Sixers sing praise for Norvel Pelle as ‘shining light’ in loss to Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers continue to have high praise for rookie Norvel Pelle despite a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

It was an overall long night for the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. They entered the game on a five-game winning streak that included wins over some of the top teams in the NBA, but it all came crashing down in a 109-89 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Sixers only had eight fastbreak points compared to 23 for Brooklyn and they allowed the Nets to score a whopping 64 points in the paint as well as bring outrebounded 52-38. That’s what happens when you’re missing superstar big man Joel Embiid.

On an overall tough night, rookie Norvel Pelle had a solid night with two points and four rebounds in 20:44 of playing time. He also had two blocks including a posterizing swat on Nets big man DeAndre Jordan.

“I thought he was the shining light of what otherwise was a long night,” said coach Brett Brown. “I thought that his ability to protect the rim with some blocked shots and being a legitimate presence there stood out to me. I think that he continues to impress as a borderline, at times, elite screen and roller.”

Pelle has been the main big man off the bench in the previous few games to backup both Embiid and Al Horford and it’s that type of confidence that can be good for a player who is just trying to find his way in the league.

“It’s positive. I just try to bring as much energy as I can on and off the court,” said Pelle. “Once I get my number called and I get those little minutes, I try to do as much as possible. It builds it, but I’m beating myself up for the simple stuff like too many layups in the paint and whatnot. But confidence is up there still.”

Despite being too hard on himself, he also has earned the praise of his All-Star teammate, Ben Simmons, as he sees something good in the big man.

“He’s been amazing,” said Simmons. “Given his situation at the time and not knowing when he’s going to play, things like that, he’s taking every opportunity and giving it his best. We love having him on the team.”

As the Sixers continue to grow as a unit, they will need to figure out a solid rotation. That means deciding on a solid rotation as the season continues on and Pelle could possibly play a role in that with his solid recent play.[lawrence-related id=21440,21429,21421]