Which 76ers Stood Out in Preseason Win vs. Nets?

After picking up a victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, the 76ers had a few standouts worth talking about.

Partaking in their third preseason matchup, the Sixers searched for their first win after falling short against the Boston Celtics in their first two outings of the preseason.

The Sixers kept up with a similar trend, having multiple players sit out. As expected, the ten-time All-Star James Harden took the night off as he continues his ramp-up phase amid a trade request.

As for Joel Embiid, he was expected to play but was scratched on the morning of the matchup due to an illness. In addition to Embiid and Harden, the Sixers missed two reserves as Furkan Korkmaz and Danuel House Jr. continue recovering from lower-body injuries.

Facing a Mikal Bridges-less Nets team, the Sixers brought the energy early. With a starting five of Paul Reed, Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre, De’Anthony Melton, and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers were extremely energetic on both ends of the floor.

In the first quarter, the Sixers snatched five steals, forcing nine turnovers, and went on a run to outscore the Nets 34-21 before heading into the second quarter.

Philadelphia continued its hot streak going into the second quarter. While the Nets jumped out of their slump and showed signs of life after an uninspiring start, their inability to take care of the ball helped the 76ers establish a 68-51 lead going into halftime. 

The Sixers kept their core players out on the floor deep into the game. They took care of business, maintaining their lead before clearing the bench. While the Nets looked to tease a potential comeback, Philly’s reserves put the game away to secure the Sixers’ first victory of the preseason, going out on top with a 127-119 win.

Which Sixers Stood Out vs. Nets?

76ers' Kelly Oubre attempting a shot over Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie / USA Today

Kelly Oubre

As Tyrese Maxey stated following the Sixers’ second preseason outing: The Sixers know that Kelly Oubre can score. It might not come as a surprise, but Oubre still looked quite sharp on Monday.

He led the Sixers in shots taken through the first half and produced with efficiency in the beginning. In a little under 19 minutes, Oubre knocked down 50 percent of his shots, scoring 17 points. 

He struggled to keep his shot consistent from the field in the second half, going just 2-10 in his final 15 minutes, but Oubre’s start to the night was inspiring, considering he’s unlikely to garner over 30 minutes on a nightly basis during the regular season.

Overall, Oubre wrapped up the game with 21 points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. 

De'Anthony Melton had a standout performance against the Nets on Monday night / USA Today

De’Anthony Melton

At this point in his career, De’Anthony Melton doesn’t need the preseason to prove much. However, the Sixers can still feel encouraged about Melton’s showing on Monday, as he did a little bit lot of everything on the court.

Getting his legs up under him after missing the team’s preseason opener due to resting, Melton produced points on six of his 17 of his shots. When he checked out of the game in 31 minutes, he finished the night with 15 points. From deep, Melton hit on three of his ten attempts.

The veteran guard was flying around the court on Monday night, collecting six rebounds on the defensive end while also snatching four steals and blocking a shot. By the time Melton checked out, he nearly had a triple-double after putting up 15 points, ten assists, and eight rebounds. 

76ers' Paul Reed defending Nets' Nic Claxton / USA Today

Paul Reed

It wasn’t a perfect night for Reed. There were times he struggled on in the interior while defending Nets standout Nic Claxton, and he also got himself into foul trouble rather early. With two quick fouls in the first quarter, Reed checked out in fewer than five minutes. 

In the second quarter, Reed picked up another two fouls, which once again shortened his shift. But credit where it’s due, Reed was pretty productive despite the foul trouble he ran into. After struggling offensively in the first two games, Reed looked sharp on Monday. 

Before checking out in the first quarter, he produced four points. In the second quarter, he hit on two of his three shots, putting up another four points. He wasn’t forcing any of his shots, and his range was on display as he collected a couple of buckets outside of the paint. In addition to his scoring, Reed was also working tirelessly on the boards, creating second-chance opportunities for the team. 

Reed finished the night with 18 points, five rebounds, and one steal.