3 observations after Sixers blow out NZ Breakers in their preseason opener

3 observations after Sixers blow out NZ Breakers in their preseason opener originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Within a couple of minutes, there was no doubt the 2024-25 Sixers would begin their preseason with an extremely decisive victory.

The team opened its preseason Monday night at Wells Fargo Center by coasting to a 139-84 win over the National Basketball League’s New Zealand Breakers.

Tyrese Maxey was among the Sixers’ many efficient players, recording 15 first-quarter points on 5-for-7 shooting (4 for 5 from three-point range) and three assists.

Neither Joel Embiid nor Paul George played as they ramp up for the games that count. Both players were on the floor Monday morning following the Sixers’ shootaround.

The team’s second exhibition game will be Friday night vs. the Timberwolves in Des Moines, Iowa. Here are observations on their blowout win against the Breakers:

Drummond letting ‘em fly 

Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond slid into the Sixers’ starting lineup. True to form, Drummond was especially interesting to watch.

He scored the game’s first hoop, finishing inside off a Maxey hit-ahead feed. Gordon became the fifth Sixers starter on the board when he drained a three-pointer after a Drummond offensive board. The large talent disparity between the teams was immediately apparent; a Maxey triple grew the Sixers’ lead to 13-1.

Drummond then got in on the three-point fun, drilling a catch-and-shoot jumper from the left corner.

The last time Drummond made a regular-season three was Feb. 24, 2020. It seems quite improbable that he’ll transform into a serious shooting threat, but he’s clearly been working on his jumper and is willing to fire in games when left wide-open. He tried another one later in the first quarter and missed it.

Andre Drummond firing corner 3s, Sixers wrapping up shootaround ahead of their preseason opener tonight vs. the New Zealand Breakers: pic.twitter.com/gwhsCPvlYf

— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) October 7, 2024

Drummond played the night’s first seven minutes and change, posting five points and five rebounds in his opening stint. On a less positive note, he was…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-blow-nz-014227013.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-10-08 01:42:27

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.