Inside Sixers: Nico Batum’s decision, Kelly Oubre Jr.’s unfinished business, and more after Game 6 defeat
“And those fans, even when they’re not happy, you get booed, but I understand why. … I tried to , ‘OK, they’re right. Because we suck right now, so we’ve got to play better.’” “Even though didn’t end up going how I wanted it to go,” Hield said, “we didn’t get a ‘W,’ but I feel like I had an opportunity to play and just make a name for myself and show who I am.Hield achieved iron-man status by playing in a rare 86 games before the playoffs, thanks to the Pacers’ run to the NBA In-Season Tournament final and the Sixers’ play-in appearance. Then, the 31-year-old was eager to finally get his first playoff experience in his eighth NBA season.
Though the eye test revealed that Oubre often was strong in that assignment, such as when he flashed a smile after poking the ball away and streaking for a breakaway dunk on Thursday, the forward lamented that Brunson finished the series with three consecutive 40-point games. Oubre added he is looking forward to examining what Brunson “did to change his style” after struggling from the floor in Games 1 and 2.