Keith Pompey Previews The Upcoming Sixers Run in the Playoffs
The Sixers are back in the playoffs. That part is not surprising. Since Joel Embiid showed up, they have been mainstays in the playoffs. The problem has been getting out of the 2nd round. The Celtics, Raptors, Hawks, and Heat have all eliminated them in the 2nd Round over this era of Sixers Basketball. This year they face off with the Nets in the first round. After that, it will in all likelihood be the Celtics. So will this year be any different? Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Inquirer joined The Best Show Ever to discuss just that.
One thing Keith Pompey pointed out that could make this year different, is the combination of Joel Embiid and James Harden. The Sixers had both of them last season, but it was not the same. Harden was hurt, and only joined the team at the trade deadline. This time, they had a full off-season and a full season to work together. And the results have shown on the floor. Embiid led the league in scoring, and James Harden led the league in assists.
Keith Pompey said this about the relationship between Embiid and Harden.
“They realize they are two Super Stars, but they play better when they have each other. When they play off of each other. Last year we saw a lot of dribble dribble dribble. Harden took a lot of off-balanced shots and missed them. But this year he is more like let me get Joel Embiid going… That pairing that he has with Embiid is just unstoppable.”
But one potential issue Keith got into was how the Celtics have managed to shut down Tyrese Maxey every time the two teams meet.
“Maxey is fast. His game is predicated on speed. He gets out there. But look at (Boston’s) guards. They have Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and some other guys. All of these guys ar athletic and quick. Not saying they are as fast as Maxey. But they can devise a defensive scheme where they can try to take him out of his game, shadow him a little bit. So I think that hinders him”
No matter how good Harden and Embiid are, they are going to need Maxey, Harris, and the bench to step up to beat the Celtics. So whatever it is, they are going to need to figure out how to get Maxey and crew going vs the Celtics. Pompey discussed how the Celtics game plan has been to let Embiid go off, and focus on stopping everybody else. Embiid scored over 40 in a loss earlier in the season. Embiid needed to get to 50 to give the Sixers their one win vs the Celtics of the season. And if the Sixers can only win if Embiid scores 50, they will be in trouble.
You can listen to the full conversation with Keith Pompey Below…
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