Joel Embiid explains how Sixers have gotten better on defensive end
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers had a goal at the beginning of the season of being the best defensive team in the NBA. They had the pieces to do so with Joel Embiid, a perennial candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, and guys like PJ Tucker and Tobias Harris on that end.
However, the Sixers didn’t get off to a great start on that end. The Sixers were having a lot of trouble on that end giving up at least 120 points twice in the first nine games of the season. Teams were getting into the paint with ease and they were getting points in transition.
Ever since Embiid returned from the floor from a 3-game absence, the Sixers have been much better on that end. They gave up just 88 points to a high-powered Phoenix Suns team, 109 to the Atlanta Hawks, and then surrendered only 98 points to the Utah Jazz who are currently ranked 5th in the league in offensive rating.
“Starting with me just being more impactful than I was the first three or four games,” Embiid explained about the defense. “Getting back to myself, protecting the rim, first of all, and making sure no one actually drives in there. As a team, I think the schemes, we kinda settled on what we’re trying to do.”
To begin the season, the Sixers did a lot of switching off screens. That meant Embiid had to switch and defend a lot of quicker guards out on the perimeter which limits his effectiveness a bit. His best attribute is protecting the rim and making sure there are no easy baskets.
“I think in the beginning, we went away from what worked in the past,” Embiid added. “Especially, with me on the floor switching everything. I can do it, but that’s not my best attribute. I can guard guards and chase them all over the place, but then again, I’m 6-foot-10 (he said with a smile). I should be in the paint blocking shots and protecting the rim. That’s what I’m good at.”
Joel Embiid having a block party while putting up all of the Sixers' points in the 4Q 😤 pic.twitter.com/tExmIKFaDU
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If the Sixers can continue this type of defensive effort, it will go a long way in helping them get back on a championship track. They will need the big fella to stay at the rim and have him defend down low in order to have success.
“That’s what we’ve been doing lately,” Embiid finished. “Just making sure we keep our coverages whether it’s 1 through 3, 1 through 4, and then having me back there just playing not necessarily drop coverage, but being at the level of the screen, and just making sure no one drives in there. If they do, then I’ll try to do the best job possible to make sure we don’t give up any easy shots at the rim.”
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