Following the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Joel Embiid continually called it a “team win.” While the All-Star center has carried the group to multiple victories over the last month, the supporting cast stepped up big in this TNT showdown, which didn't feature LeBron James. Every Sixer who took the floor against LA did something to help contribute to the win.
One of the biggest standouts for the Sixers was Matisse Thybulle. After missing five games with a shoulder injury, the 24-year-old was back to wreak havoc on the defensive end. In 28 minutes of action, he tallied four steals and one block to go along with eight points.
Time and time again, Thybulle has shown why he is at the top of the list when it comes to X-factors on the Sixers. His elite-level defensive IQ and wherewithal can be game-changing. His showing on Thursday was a testament to that.
After the game, Sixers teammates and coaches opened up on what they thought about the defensive masterclass put on by Thybulle. First up was head coach Doc Rivers, who loved the energy the former first-round pick played with.
“He was great. Playing the passing lanes and just being what he does. Blocking shots, running the floor, it was good to see his energy up too,” he said.
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Despite being in the league for a few seasons now, Thybulle still manages to surprise people with his defensive prowess. Rivers even admitted guys on the team get caught off guard with some of the plays he can make on that end of the floor.
“I think they respect who he is and all that. I think what the surprise is, and you see it every night when he blocks shots. Even in practice, our guys play with him all the time, and they think they're going to get the shot off, and they're rushing it, and he still gets it. They're always shocked by it, and I am too sometimes,” said Rivers Thursday.
Later on, Sixers sharpshooter Georges Niang gave his thoughts on what he thinks of Thybulle's ability to disrupt opponents with his defense.
“Did you see that play where he got that [steal at half court]? He is unreal on the defensive end. I think the best part about it is that it is consistent night in and night out. You could just be like, ‘Hey, go guard him,' and he seems to give that other team's guy a problem,” said Niang.
Having Thybulle back in the lineup has provided a huge lift for the Sixers. Their perimeter defense has seen a night-and-day difference with him on the floor.
Even after making an All-Defense Team last season, Thybulle still manages to shock people with his skills on that end. Due to their current situation, he will be a vital piece to the Sixers' lineup moving forward as the postseason slowly starts to approach.
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