Philadelphia 76ers: Talking Points From Preseason Opener Against Washington
By Jake Hyman
2. Offense Failed to Create Efficient Looks and Lacked Flow
The above picture accurately displays the type of looks the Sixers were getting around the perimeter. Washington contested plenty of Sixer shots, as hoisting became a common sight for the team playing in blue. Going only 9-for-30 (30 percent) from deep, there were also a plethora of bricks from open looks.
Stagnancy also was a common theme on offense, with guards failing to drive and create, and the pick-and-roll lacked effectiveness. Canaan picked up in the second half, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting while going 3-of-5 from the three-point line.
His ability to knock down jumpers is a plus, but the same problems that had him benched for Ish Smith late last year were apparent in the second half.
Canaan hasn’t shown the ability to set up effective looks consistently for his teammates, but did enough to have faith in his ability to continue to start over Scottie Wilbekin.
Wilbekin’s porous minus-30 plus/minus was a product of the Sixers failing to put together consistent possessions on offense and formulate some sort of a run. Hollis Thompson and Jordan McRae went a combined 2-of-7 from deep and had a difficult time finishing at the basket.
Struggling from both the outside and the interior, Philadelphia has time to find an effective rotation to top Tuesday’s performance.
Next: Washington's Wide Open