Doc Rivers Added The Matchup Zone To the Sixers Arsenal
When talking points arise Tuesday after the Sixers win over the Brooklyn Nets that gave them a 2-0 lead in the first round series, they will certainly center around the play of Tyrese Maxey; the constant double and triple teaming of Joel Embiid; and the continued solid play from forward Tobias Harris. What may be way down on the list of topics would be the play of the Sixers’ defense in the 96-84 victory. But it may not only be one of the most important facts of this win but a big part of how the team may continue to play moving forward.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers tweaked his defense in Saturday’s Game 1 win. Playing some straight man-to-man defense with no switches, to a switching defense to some 2-3 and 3-2 zone defenses. Rivers was trying to find a way to contain the Nets Mikal Bridges, who torched the Sixers for 23 first-half points, while also trying to keep Brooklyn’s three-point shooting under wraps. His adjustments worked Saturday. Bridges attempted just two second-half shots and scored just seven second half points.
Then Monday, while the Nets continued to implore their doubles of Embiid, Rivers had his team playing, for much of the game, a matchup zone defense. No doubt former Temple coach John Chaney was smiling down upon Rivers and the Sixers. And while Nets coach Jacque Vaughn insisted after the game that his team was satisfied with the shots they saw throughout the game, Rivers’ squad limited 38 percent shooting from the floor and 13-for-42 from beyond the arc.
Rarely did Brooklyn have wide-open looks. Which is something that has hampered the Sixers all season. Not being able to recover quick enough when opponents’ ball movement is above average. But with a matchup zone, the principles of covering n area, still with man-to-man actions don’t often allow it.
Keep an eye on if Rivers decides to stick with the defense for a couple of reasons. One, it seemed to really hamper the Nets. Two, it could be something that may be a hindrance for upcoming opponents, after the Sixers dispose of the Nets.
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