PHILADELPHIA — A big topic before the Philadelphia 76ers begin their three-game road trip is transition defense. It was a bit troublesome at times for this team, as the Sixers struggled to counterattack defensively and really put up a lot of resistance in that part of the game.
The Sixers currently rank 27th in the league in fast break points allowed per game, according to team rankings. They have a 2-1 record on the road, but they are giving up an average of 22.3 fast-break points per game, which is higher than their season average of 17.0 points per game.
advertise
Even in their win over the Indiana Pacers, the 76ers scored 22 fast-break points. The Pacers scored eight points in the first quarter, so Philadelphia was obviously able to go all out and figure it out, but the fact remains that transition defense remains an issue for the 76ers.
“I think we have a lot of guys who want offensive rebounds,” Andre Drummond told Sixers Wired. “I don’t think we have the type of personnel to put all five guys on the floor, so I think it’s up to the guys understanding their roles in terms of rebounding. If you can get it, 100 percent absolutely get it, but I don’t think four out of five should break down for our team. So, it’s just something we have to work on, something we have to talk about and then make adjustments.”
The transition defense woes may not be an issue in the playoffs when the pace of play slows down a bit, but the Sixers will have to address it over the final 23 games of the regular season to avoid a playoff appearance. The good news for them is that they have plenty of talent and will look to lean on that talent in tough times.
“We gotta go back, man,” Tyrese Maxey added. “We have to go back. Sometimes we collapse when we shouldn’t. Just go forward and get back. Go back and defend. Settle down. If you cross play, you’re going to catch the guy closest to you.”
advertise
Philadelphia’s game against the Miami Heat on Thursday will be a challenging one as the Heat lead the league in pace. The Sixers will be responsible for preparing for what’s to come.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wired: Sixers discuss their struggles in transition defense this season
