Sixers' Robert Covington explains why he didn't shoot much vs. the Nets

Robert Covington will tell you he's a "go with the flow" type of guy when it comes to shooting the basketball.

"I'm never a person that forces shots," the 76ers small forward said after Friday's shootaround. "Guys take open shots that's given. It's not nothing forced."

However, the Sixers (24-24) would like to see Covington have a key role in the offense during Friday night's matchup against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. That's something he didn't do in Wednesday's road loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Covington attempted just three shots, making two, en route to scoring six points. The fifth-year veteran said he could be more assertive and look for his shot more often.

"But that's not the way we play," he said.

He said whoever has the best shot is the one who should take it in the Sixers' system.

"Coach [Brett Brown] of course wants me to be more assertive, but if it comes within the offense," Covington said. "I'm not going to go outside and make myself go against our principle."

Wednesday's performance, though, came two nights after he struggled mightily from the field. The Chicago native finished with 13 points on 3-for-12 shooting in a road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He missed seven of his eight three-pointers.

For the season, Covington is averaging 13.2 points and making a career-best 38.0 percent of his three-point shots. He's also averaging 10.6 shots.

His three shots Wednesday were his second-fewest attempts this season. He scored four points on 1-for-2 shooting in a loss at Portland on Dec. 28.