Player grades: Kelly Oubre Jr. performs, Sixers fall to Celtics in preseason
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers continued the preseason schedule on Wednesday back at home in a rematch with the Boston Celtics. The Sixers fell to the Cs in the preseason opener in Boston and were looking for more productivity in this matchup at home.
Once again playing without James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Furkan Korkmaz, coach Nick Nurse wanted to see what he has in the rest of the roster. Kelly Oubre Jr., a new addition, hopped off the bench and poured in 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting with four triples to help. However, it ended with the Sixers taking a 112-101 loss to the Celtics as the exhibition schedule continued.
Tyrese Maxey had 17 points, De’Anthony Melton had 10 points, Tobias Harris added nine and six rebounds, and Paul Reed added 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Danny Green added eight points while Jaden Springer had 10.
Here are the player grades following the loss:
Patrick Beverley: C-
This seemed like a game just to get Beverley some run. He really didn’t do much other than run some offense and provide some tough defense in his minutes. When considering he is a veteran in this league, it makes sense why he would get some short minutes in the preseason. When he did play, he missed his two field goal attempts and he committed a foul.
Tyrese Maxey: B+
Once again, Maxey was able to be effective on the offensive end with his ability to use his speed to his advantage. The Celtics have some terrific perimeter defenders and Maxey was able to find a lot of success against them on the offensive end. He did have some trouble on the defensive end, however, as he picked up some bad fouls trying to defend Boston’s guards.
Tobias Harris: C-
Harris was aggressive with his offensive looks and he mixed it up well in the paint. In order for Philadelphia to have the success that they want to have, Harris has got to remain aggressive and look for his offense. It was a tough night shooting the ball overall for him, but the Sixers want him to remain aggressive and not hesitate. It’s the preseason so there’s no reason to overreact to some misses on offense.
PJ Tucker: Incomplete
Tucker missed a good look from the corner on the offensive end, but he was very good defensively as he bothered Porzingis a bit with his quick hands on that end of the floor. He also was talking a lot as he made sure everybody was in the right spots on defense. He had some good moments in this one which is all that’s needed in the preseason.
Paul Reed: B-
The game started with a pick-and-pop between Maxey and Reed on the offensive end of the floor with Reed launching a triple. He missed it, but the Sixers want him to take that shot. They’ve worked with him on it all summer. He continues to struggle with Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis due to the height advantage that he offers. To Reed’s credit, he did make an adjustment and was more aggressive with Porzingis and forced him into tougher shots. He also made some really nice passes on the offensive end.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: A
Give Oubre Jr. credit, the man isn’t afraid to fire the rock. There were a few opportunities he received off of helter-skelter basketball and he wasn’t afraid to take the open look. He was efficient with his offense in this one and the 3-point shooting was a big plus off Philadelphia’s bench. If he is going to bring this type of production in the regular season, then it will be found money for Philadelphia.
De'Anthony Melton: B-
After missing the first game due to adductor tightness, Melton had some solid moments. He was terrific on the defensive end, and on the other end, he was able to knock down a triple as well as get to the basket and draw fouls which led to him getting to the line for easy points.
Jaden Springer: B+
It wasn’t the night he had in Boston in the preseason opener, but Springer did have one move that stood out. Matched up with Celtics big man Al Horford, he broke him down with the dribble before spinning into the lane for a floater. It wasn’t his strongest game on defense, however. He did knock down a triple as well.
Danny Green: A
The veteran hopped off the bench and immediately went to work. He spaced the floor to find himself open for a corner triple before he got a swipe and a layup the other way. He also threw an impressive full-court, cross-court pass to Oubre Jr. for a triple. That then led to a productive night overall for him.
Mo Bamba: D+
It has been a bit of a struggle for Bamba thus far on the offensive end in the preseason. He has been able to roll to the basket often, but he hasn’t been able to finish those looks. He also missed a couple of free throws as well as a 3-pointer. He has been solid defensively, though. Especially, against Porzingis.
Terquavion Smith/David Duke Jr.
Getting some garbage time minutes late in this one, Smith and Duke Jr. were able to knock down some triples and continue to make their case to be on the roster and be a factor for the Sixers. Smith has the looks of a player who can be a rotational piece in the not so distant future.
