The Athletic NBA Daily - Episode Summary: "76ers & Embiid Implode to 2-11 | Lillard Bails Out Bucks"
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guests: Kelly Eco, The Athletic’s Regional Reporters
1. Philadelphia 76ers' Rocky Start
Early Season Woes
The Philadelphia 76ers have started the season with a disappointing 2-11 record, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. Central to their struggles is Joel Embiid, whose recent performances have left much to be desired.
Late Decision to Play
In a crucial game against the Miami Heat, Embiid made a late decision to play just 21 minutes before tip-off. Analyst 2 highlighted the mishandling of this decision:
"Joel Embiid was a late decision. Literally 21 minutes before the scheduled tip... They tried to sneak attack, I guess, the Miami Heat, and it did not work." [02:32]
Performance Breakdown
Embiid's performance was subpar, leading the Sixers to lose a substantial lead. Analyst 1 critiqued his lack of effort on the court:
"He was like spinning around in circles sometimes, looking like he didn't really even know what to do." [03:30]
Offensive Struggles
The Sixers are currently last in the league offensively. Their strategy, overly reliant on Embiid's presence, has backfired as defensive attention on him has stifled their shooters. Key players like Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre, and Kyle Lowry have underperformed:
"Paul George... was one of seven from three tonight." [04:53]
Team Dynamics and Coaching
Post-game, Coach Nick Nurse held a team meeting described as "a little meeting" but extended over an hour, causing frustration among both players and media:
"Nick Nurse described it as a little meeting. It took them over an hour for Nick Nurse to even just make it to the podium in the post game." [06:21]
Future Prospects
Despite the current slump, there is a glimmer of hope with Jared McCain showing promise. However, the absence of Tyrese Maxey continues to plague the team's offensive dynamics:
"They really need Tyrese Maxey back. They really need the creation juice of Tyrese Maxey." [07:47]
2. Rockets vs. Bucks: Lillard Saves the Day
Damian Lillard's Heroics
In a thrilling matchup, Damian Lillard delivered a game-winning layup that secured a 101-100 victory for the Milwaukee Bucks over the Houston Rockets, snapping the Rockets' five-game win streak.
Defensive Failures of the Rockets
Kelly Eco provided an in-depth analysis of the Rockets' defensive breakdowns, emphasizing communication issues and mismatches:
"There were too many breakdowns in communication. They either switched too late or they didn't switch at all." [13:38]
Rockets' Defensive Strategy
The Rockets' reliance on Alperin as a rim protector was evident, but inconsistent closing lineups and fatigue from a congested schedule led to their downfall:
"One of the keys for Houston defensive this season has been the reliance on Alperin... But for a Houston standpoint, they want to get the best shots they can." [15:10]
3. Controversial Game-End Calls
Correction on Foul Call
The hosts issued a correction regarding a controversial call in a recent game involving Julius Randle:
"I described the Julius Randall game-winning push off maneuver as an offensive foul. Well, the NBA went back... he didn't actually push off. He traveled." [10:14]
Kings vs. Hawks Drama
Another contentious moment arose when Dyson Daniels executed a buzzer-beating steal, leading to the Hawks' victory over the Kings. Analysts debated the nature of the play and its implications:
"There is a version of this where he stepped out of bounds after he stole the ball. Maybe he did step out of bounds." [11:04]
4. Indiana Pacers' Struggles and Tyrese Halberd's Decline
Tyrese Halberd's Performance Issues
The Pacers have been underperforming, particularly Tyrese Halberd, whose shooting accuracy has plummeted:
"He's 2 of 9 tonight from behind the arc. He's now shooting 29% on the season on threes." [21:07]
Offensive Identity Crisis
The Pacers are grappling with defining their offensive strategy. The clash between transition-heavy play and half-court setups has led to inconsistency:
"It's a give and take. They have too many options and, and I think that lack of a true identity is what's going to be the most detrimental thing." [18:48]
Expectations vs. Reality
Expectations were high for the Pacers this offseason, with hopes of an improved defense and playoff contention. However, current performances suggest otherwise:
"But man, they don't look like a contender at for what it's worth." [22:03]
5. Additional Insights and Future Outlook
Rockets' Young Roster
The Rockets' youthful roster shows potential but lacks the experience and consistency required for playoff success. Jalen Green is highlighted as a key player who could drive their offensive efforts:
"If you squint right and you're looking at him, he's the guy." [17:07]
Pacers' Defensive Potential
Despite offensive issues, the Pacers' defensive strategies under Coach Cooper show promise. However, without a cohesive offensive plan, their defense alone won't suffice:
"They have a defensive identity. Yeah, they're going to swarm, they're going to be aggressive, they're going to be in your physical." [17:44]
Looking Ahead
The episode concludes with a cautious outlook on the Sixers and Pacers, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments and player development to turn their seasons around:
"This team does not look ready to make a push for the NBA Cup. That's what I'm going to say." [19:49]
6. Closing Remarks
The hosts reiterated the importance of staying tuned for ongoing analyses throughout the season, with Kelly Eco set to provide continual updates on the Rockets and other teams:
"Kelly Eco got to read. Coming up after the break, we're going to take a look at the Pacers and specifically what's going on with Tyrese Halberd." [09:55]
Notable Quotes:
- "Joel Embiid was a late decision... and it did not work." [02:32]
- "He was like spinning around in circles sometimes, looking like he didn't really even know what to do." [03:30]
- "Paul George... was one of seven from three tonight." [04:53]
- "This team does not look ready to make a push for the NBA Cup." [19:49]
This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides a comprehensive analysis of the Philadelphia 76ers' struggles, the Milwaukee Bucks' narrow victory over the Houston Rockets, and the Indiana Pacers' offensive challenges. With expert insights from analysts and regional reporter Kelly Eco, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current NBA landscape.