The Philadelphia 76ers secured a crucial win over the Boston Celtics, thanks in part to Guerschon Yabusele’s impressive performance. The former Real Madrid star put on a show, scoring 21 points and going 7-of-9 from three-point range. Yabusele’s plus-18 rating highlighted his significant contribution to the team’s success.
Caleb Martin also made a comeback of sorts, playing without pain for the first time in weeks. Coach Nick Nurse praised Martin’s health, saying he “feels so much better physically.” The Sixers’ small-ball lineup played key role in their win, with Yabusele and Kyle Lowry frequently working together.
The Celtics, meanwhile, struggled to contain the 76ers’ zone defense. Boston’s inability to move the ball efficiently was evident, as D White and Jayson Tatum had difficulty getting past half court. Even top players like Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart struggled to find their rhythm.
Despite Embiid’s minus-18 rating in the loss, Yabusele’s plus-18 was a bright spot for the Sixers. The team still has work to do, but wins like this demonstrate their growth. Playing key bench players early in the season can pay dividends down the line, and the Sixers’ success is a testament to their depth.
While Boston has a strong record, they too have room for improvement. The Celtics must find ways to overcome tight defenses and develop more efficient offense. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both teams respond.
Source: https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/12/sixers-notes-embiid-maxey-martin-yabusele.html