The Bubble Sixers Are Finding Their New X Factor

After a return to basketball debacle against Indiana that sent a somewhat hopeful fan base right back into cynicism, the Sixers have not lost since.

Albeit, it was against the Wizards, who might lose to the Generals in a battle for Washington and the walking corpse of the 7 seed Orlando Magic. But they’ve taken over both of those games late in the second half, a far cry from the Indiana disaster just one week ago.

So, what changed?

Well, giving a shit on defense helps. Joel Embiid’s sustained dominance in the post is wearing on teams. But how about Alec Burks?

Yes, some fans have been clamoring for him for quite some time and it seems as though Brett Brown is finally in agreement. With absence  comes opportunity. Without Ben Simmons, the Sixers gave Al Horford the start against Orlando (he actually played really well!) but it allowed Burks to carve out some minutes off the bench. He scored 22 points on 8/15 shooting (including 3 three pointers) in 27 (!!!) minutes.

The Sixers have decided to build around a Center who needs an entry pass to engage and a point forward that can’t shoot. Which is fine, I love them like sons who are younger than me. But, their lack of shot creation ability late in games leaves the Sixers offense in more awkward positions than the Dinner Party episode of The Office.

Alec Burks is that shot creator. He can handle the ball, and work in the pick in roll. He has a smooth mid-range jumper and he’s a career 80% free throw shooter. He’s also a somewhat reliable three point shooter. Which is becoming even more pressing given Embiid’s newfound ability (or willingness) to kick out after a double team comes. For my Big 5 people reading this, he’s like a bigger Khalif Wyatt. He shows up, gets buckets and goes home. Nothing more, nothing less.

And that’s exactly what the Sixers need right now.

After four bubble games, I can’t sit here and name three things Josh Richardson does really well for this team. Furkan Korkmaz is a “bomber”, but far from a stellar defender. Matisse Thybulle is the polar opposite. That leave Burks.

Alec Burks journey just to physically get to this team took long. His journey to gel with this team took even longer. But, with the bubble reset, his opportunity is finally here.