Sixers’ team chemistry leading to successful road trip without Joel Embiid
“We are jelling at the right time," Mike Scott said.
LOS ANGELES — Mike Scott believes team chemistry has enabled the 76ers to win the first three games of their six-game road trip without MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
The Sixers defeated the New York Knicks on Sunday, the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, and the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
“We are jelling at the right time,” Scott said after Saturday’s shootaround for that night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. “Of course, when Joel gets back, we will be much more proper. But right now, we are getting some time together, jelling with the teammates on and off the court, and it’s been good.”
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Saturday’s contest marked the eighth game that Embiid has missed his since suffering a bone bruise in his left knee on March 12 at Washington.
Thursday’s game at Cleveland, the final game of the trip, has been mentioned as a possible return date for Embiid. The Sixers say he’s progressing well through his rehabilitation program. The four-time All-Star has resumed his on-cout basketball activity and is ramping up his conditioning.
Sixers executing under Rivers
In his first season, Doc Rivers has the Sixers closing out games better than they did in the past. Rivers has them executing better on both ends of the floor. The Sixers are also coming up with more big plays.
“We’ve kind of got to stop letting teams back into it,” Scott said of the Sixers blowing leads. “That would be even better. I know we are giving people heart attacks. But execution on both ends has been much better.”