Bench scoring has always been a major problem for the Philadelphia 76ers. As of the 2021-2022 season, the team had a bottom third in scoring basketball, so it’s probably safe to say this has been a long-standing problem for the franchise. This is a byproduct of not having enough talent spread outside the starting five.
This year, however, the 76ers have more raw talent to spread the wealth around, for example. However, that hasn’t led to them having a more reliable bench, as their second unit through 16 is still the eighth-lowest scoring unit in the league. They may have just unlocked something within them most recent loss to the heat to finally reduce that weakness.
Against Miami, the 76ers bench collectively scored 44 points, helping the team stay afloat against a high-scoring Heat squad. But rough markings aside, the coaching staff may have just stumbled upon an ideal mix of players to advance their bench unit.
The 76ers may have just stumbled upon a solution to their bench woes
Trendon Watford led all bench players in scoring, finishing the game with 19 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. His all-around game was on full display in such a fast-paced affair, and the 76ers’ offense just looked much smoother with him on the floor. It wasn’t much, but he was a team-high +5 against Miami.
The other side of the coin is Jared McCain, who finally broke out of his brutal slump against the heat. He finished the game with a season-high 15 points, built on draining five of his 11 shots and three of his four three-point attempts. He looked very comfortable for the most part working with the ball in his hands, while Quentin Grimes was moved to the bench for the absent VJ Edgecombe.
Going forward, this two-man dynamic between Watford and McCain could be the spark this 76ers bench needs. Up until now, the second unit has been heavily reliant on Quentin Grimes, some spread lineups led by Tyrese Maxey or Edgecombe to even be functional – that just can’t be the norm going forward.
Together, the troika of Grimes, Watford and McCain has what it takes to give the 76ers a different flavor to the attack than the opening group. These players can play at a faster pace and their perimeter shooting needs to be at a higher volume. Hopefully the coaching staff will permanently revolve around the way the bench revolves around these three players.
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