Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey control the dribble-handoff action, allowing the Sixers’ studs to score in a variety of ways. BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The dribble handoff has been one of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey’s preferred strategies as the Philadelphia 76ers studs seek to punish opponents together.
Maxey’s expanded role has provided him more opportunities to develop alongside Embiid. They demonstrated their progress as a team in the Sixers’ most recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Having quick-hitting actions to get straight into has been crucial for the Sixers, who are near the top of the NBA’s offensive rating leaderboard.
Here is another variation of Pistol action, except Maxey sees Cam Johnson pinching on the strong side, so he knows Melton is open.
Same Embiid trailing give-and-go into a DHO gives the hint that it’s Pistol. https://t.co/bz0V58toZr pic.twitter.com/EWNW29xNaz
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) November 20, 2023
When questioned about the dribble handoff with Maxey, Embiid stated they were working on it with trainer Drew Hanlen. The secret, he explained, is Maxey’s speed and how difficult it is to keep him safe. “I just think he’s difficult to protect.” “He’s difficult to guard because of his speed,” Embiid remarked. “So, just looking at it and collaborating.” He’s such a good shooter that whenever he comes off of it and the big is back, that’s an easy shot. Then, if the large steps up, he’ll be able to get by whoever is defending him.
Or, if they just sag and push inside the three-point line, we’ve got the pocket pass, which I’ve been missing a lot of lately, but I’ll work on it and become better.”
Embiid helped Maxey twice on his route to a season-high nine assists, 32 points, and 12 rebounds. As the Sixers sliced up the Nets defense, the big man’s playmaking opened up everything. His teammates have noticed an improvement in Embiid’s desire to assist in the offense. “I’ve seen a jump in his passing ability just from the start of the season,” De’Anthony Melton said. “He’s passing, but he’s passing even harder on the money now.” For example, he’s suddenly passing better for shooters, and it’s showing.” Embiid’s 6.2 assists per game set a new career high. His 3.5 turnovers per game are similar to his past seasons. The increased emphasis on player and ball movement in Philadelphia has unleashed a new level of Embiid that should hold up better in the playoffs.
Both Nick Nurse and Embiid expressed a desire for the Sixers’ offense to find the open man as much as feasible. Throughout his career, the big guy has drew several defenders and is now much better at finding teammates out of aggressive defense.
“That’s kinda offense in this league: when they send two [defenders] to your primary scorer, you gotta get things figured out,” Nurse went on to say. “And we’re making some progress there.”
The Sixers can use Embiid and Maxey in a variety of ways. They are already one of the top basketball duos in terms of aggregate talent and effectiveness together.
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