Trends in the 76ers' season-opening win
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Trends in the 76ers' season-opening win
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
While holding Denver to 75 points in the opener was impressive – the Nuggets averaged a league-high 104.1 points last season – there were some interesting items of note that came out of the Sixers' win.
Sure, it’s only one game, but it was nice to see the Sixers go 17 for 21 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Denver was just 5 of 11.
What’s so special about this? Well, again, it’s just one game. So there’s no reason to act like it’s a trend or anything like that. But last season the Nuggets led the NBA in FTA differential (+6.2). They also averaged a league-high 26.7 free throw attempts.
Conversely, your 2011-12 Sixers had the worst aversion to the line that we’ve seen in the NBA in quite some time. In fact, their 18.2 FTA last season came pretty close to breaking the NBA record (18.0) for fewest per game (a distinction held by those muscular 2005-06 Phoenix Suns).
The biggest surprise was with Jrue Holiday. The recipient of a sparkling new four-year, $41 million deal, Holiday went 4-for-5 from the line against the Nuggets (who, by the way, looked out of sorts on Wednesday. I don’t know what was up with that. However, I still think the Nuggets will be improved this season, substantially so if JaVale McGee’s basketball IQ starts to catch up with his freakish athleticism). With the ball in his hands more this season, Holiday has to be more aggressive at attacking the basket than he has in the past.
Last season, Holiday averaged a paltry 1.8 FTA per game, inexcusable for a guy with that size. Just seven times last season did he attempt five free throws or more in a game. He should top that number in the first month of the season.
The Sixers also looked pesky and very active on defense in forcing the Nuggets into 22 turnovers. Last season they forced teams into 20+ turnovers just three times last season. Also of note is that the Sixers had 13 steals and 11 blocks in the opener. The last time the Sixers had 10+ steals and 10+ blocks in the same game was vs. Sacramento on Jan. 15, 2010.
Encouraging for sure, though I'm not sure I'd expect that many free throws on a consistent basis until Bynum is in there. Looks like they'll be chucking tons of threes as opposed to getting near the rim. Also Denver's defensive rotations sure looked like it was the first game of the season, a step late here, a missed weakside help there, a lazy hack there, etc. Then again this is the first sports writer in history to put together a Trends column based on one game- Headline:
"Trends in the 76ers' season-opening win."
5th Sentence:
"[T]here’s no reason to act like it’s a trend. . . "
See anything wrong here, John Mitchell?
- @stikolaboloni - Sadly, this is not the first trends piece after just one game, just look at stuff on ESPN over the past few days.
On the issue of the 76ers getting to the line, I wouldn't be shocked if it continues. Last year the offense was built around finding the cushion in the mid-range and getting good shots. With more shooters around, it seems to be built on having guys penetrate and either pass or drive to the hoop. This should improve our ability to get to the line, even without Bynum.— OutofTownPhillyFan - As far as trends go, one game is early, but the Sixers did play 7 games (all sans Bynum) in exhibition, so for the most part, we DID get to see the style of play(early threes in transition) and max efforts....One constant between the pre-season and Wednesday night was turnovers, as the Sixers' 16 against the Nuggets matched the disturbing trend of 15.5 during the games that didn't count...I thought the prolific 40% shooting from beyond the arc would in preseason would continue as the Sixers went 6-13 in that first half, only to come back down to earth with a horrid 1-12 in the second half...DOn't know about proximity getting to the line, the sSixerss benefitted from some home cooking, getting called for a4 fouls to the Nuggets 22...Without Bynum, it appears that the Sixers will be more of a "live or die by the jumpshot" type of tea,, although spacing should aid Jrue or ET to drive...D Wright did benefit from the line because of the penalty FT's....Defensively, the Sixers HAVE been creating turnovers, or just playing sloppy teams. Still early in the season. Frankly, I don't think the Nuggets will score 75 or less again this season....Very excited about the Sixers' bench contributing much like last season's team.— bearsfriend
- Regarding other stats to keep an eye on, DC's yen to get longer should aid in his quest for deflections, steals (13 against the Nuggets was awesome), and closing out against three point shooters (The Nuggets were just 4-18, but that's a developmental need for them anyway)...The Sixers 11 blocks was key, and both Hawes and LaVoy were solid in that area in pre-season...Despite playing 10 guys Wednesday, it was really 8 in the rotation, as Maalik Wayns felt DC's tight leash with a 2:31 run, while Gerald Wilkins got to play for one possession (20 secs)...While DC tells us it;s the deepest team he's ever coached, here's hoping that he's able to "trust" a little more....Apologies for not proof reading the prior post. This BBQ is really good.— bearsfriend
- Sixers have to in part thank Iggy for the 20+ turnovers for Denver. Also perimeter length . . . but mainly Iggy.— @leegles
- ONE MORE CLUE TO THE PHILLY ONLINE SPORTS EDITOR: Those of us who know that's IGGY's tattoo in your blog's picture, please get with this year's team! Thank you.— tomvallar
- I HOPE they don't live or die by the outside jumper. Not that they don't have the guys to drain them, but they also have guys who can drive and finish or drive and dish as well, especially Jrue. I suppose I'm just anxious. We won't see the true personality of this team for a few months, if and when Bynum is back and healthy and fully integrated in to the system.— esesjay
- That will be interesting to see how that pans out over time...DC LOvES to state that he'll NEVER tell guys to stop taking shots, but if quick shots DON'T fall, and long rebounds turn into breaks for the opposing team, then it will bear monitoring...When AB returns, there will be a distinct look of that inside/outside element, and the spacing should aid penetration...But DC does want threes over long twos, so (?)...One thing I believe we'll see when Bynum returns...the first three quarters will be uptempo if poissible, and th fourth quarter will be low post feeds...Bynum time! — bearsfriend
- I was at the game so I could not hear what Zumoff and Malik were saying and there was nothing from Cooney or Mitchell but did anyone explain Faried's absence in the 2nd half after being his usual beast on the board in the 1st?— tudorcity
- Cooney,Mitchell (and even DC) were all miffed, as the 13 offensive rebounds the Nuggets had in the first half turned into 3 in the second...Faried's game is attack the offensive boards,run the floor,set multiple picks, receive passes off of pick and rolls or off penetration....AND DUNK!..Faried worked very hard in the offseason on perimeter shooting (even attempted a three in exhibition), something Karl is not really fond of, as the Manimal's not quite there yet, to be kind...Coming out to start the second half, Faried took an open 15 footer (missed), next possession attempted a low post move which also resulted in a missed shot...Pulled 1:32 into the half for the rest of the game...This was Karl's message...His quote after the game was "In a catch up situation, I don't think Kenneth is our best option"...Needless to say, Nugget fans WERE NOT happy....Last, Faried is best paired with Andre Miller, who is a natural on drive and dish...Iggy will need to learn where he'll be, and vice versa...Seems like Iggy threw a passes off body parts of many a teammate. — bearsfriend
- Beyond the Iggy tatt in the banner, any one ever notice the large woman in the white coat or the older bespeckled guy chewing his cuticle?— @leegles
- Why does anyone need Cooney or Mitchell to explain why Faried got benched? I suggest you go read the Denver blogs. No. One. Cares.— Rawkus
- Uh, obviously a couple of fans do. Some fans who get to see an opponent once a year in their arena actually are interested in the opposition's EXCITING players as well...Not necessarily a top 10 story, but it did affect the flow of the second half, as the Sixers bested the Nuggets on the boards 24-21, after getting shellacked 33-23 in the first half. — bearsfriend
- agree with bears that i think 1st 3 quarters in uptempo..4th quarter is bynu time, get opponents in the penalty, and be very tough to beat— johnGiam
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
