The Philadelphia 76ers are in the process of continuing to work out the kinks and get everybody all on the same page under a new coach in Doc Rivers. They have gotten some serious MVP-caliber play from their superstar big man in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons continues to be a leader while Tobias Harris has taken steps forward.
However, there is one unsung player who will definitely play a role in any success the Sixers have this season and that is Matisse Thybulle.
The second-year guard out of Washington routinely has hopped off the bench and he has done a terrific job of shutting down the opposition’s best scorer and he has done a great job of providing a spark when needed. He is one of those guys who makes a big impact on the floor despite taking only one or two shots. He does so many things beyond the box score to help win games.
“I hope it’s obvious that I take pride in winning,” said Thybulle. “If me being on the court plays a role in us getting a win, then I’m proud regardless of what my numbers are. My goal at the end of each game is just come off the court feeling like I had an impact on the game that helped us win.”
Over his previous eight games, Thybulle is shooting 38.5% from deep which is a solid number, but he only takes 1.6 shots per game. There will be a time where he does have to start taking advantage more of the open looks that he receives.
“As he continues to use his defensive skills, it’s all about pushing him offensively to be able to get in those spots,” said Harris. “I can see he’s getting more confident with letting it go and shooting it too. We’re going to need Matisse all year long especially in big games against big-time players.”
Harris did add on Friday that it seems like Thybulle gets up for the bigger and more explosive guys in the league, but he says that is not necessarily the case.
“Every night’s a new guy and it’s a new assignment,” Thybulle explained. “I wouldn’t say that there are matchups or guys that I really get more excited for, or others, it’s all a challenge and it’s all something I’m trying to do my best to just help the team win and whatever is expected from me.”
The Sixers will now hit the road to Tampa on Sunday to face the Toronto Raptors for two games.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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