Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will focus his attention on scoring from inside the three-point line after a terrible start to the season as an outside shooter.
The 76ers credentials as championship contenders look solid right now, as the roster seems to have already assimilated LeBron James and Jaylen Brown perfectly, picking up a 112-106 win over the No. 2-seeded Detroit Pistons.
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Embiid was one of the key players in the win, but entirely due to his ability closer to the basket. After going 0-for-3 on three-point attempts in the win, Embiid learned a lesson for the rest of the season.
Joel Embiid says he will not attempt more three-pointers
Embiid is shooting 11.5% from three this season, going 3-for-36 on the season. After missing three attempts against the Pistons, he let the media know how he feels about taking more long-range shots this season.
“My three is just gone for whatever reason. Tonight might’ve been the last three I ever take.”
Embiid had one of his best games of the season against Detroit, ending the night with 26 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 8-for-15 on two-point field goal attempts.
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Embiid is averaging 19.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists over the season so far, allowing stars like Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown to lead the team offensively while playing his role to perfection.
The 76ers will need Embiid to be a floor-spacer to effectively play a style of basketball that maximises the downhill ability of Maxey, Brown, and LeBron. LeBron in particular has shown he can be most lethal as a playmaker when he is coming downhill and opening up passing opportunities.
If teams start leaving Embiid unguarded on the three-point line, the 32-year-old center will definitely attempt those open opportunities. Given he has proven pedigree as a shooter, it’s a matter of time before he finds his rhythm again.
It’s been a rough shooting season for Embiid through eight games of the season, but it is hard to believe he will completely stop attempting threes. He might be more judicious and wait for wide-open opportunities to get his shot going again, but it’s highly unlikely he stops shooting them altogether.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
