The Sixers are on the doorstep of something few considered possible, upsetting the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. There’s a combination of multiple factors explaining Philadelphia’s recent elevated level of play. That includes Kelly Oubre, whose contributions have gone a bit under the radar with so much focus on the team’s Big 3 and stud rookie VJ Edgecombe.
After securing a Game 6 win in Philadelphia to force Game 7 in Boston, Paul George discussed what has gone right for the team as they’ve fought back from being down 1-3 in the series. Among several points, George was asked about the impact of Oubre, specifically the hustle components and dirty work that he’s done throughout the series, but particularly in Game 6.
“It’s been extremely important,” George said of Oubre’s contributions. “He's putting his body on the line, literally, he's putting his body on the line for us, and he's given us everything he's got.”
Oubre has started alongside George, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in all six games the series has played so far. Ahead of Game 4, the Sixers’ injury report revealed that Oubre had been dealing with right adductor soreness.
Effectively a groin injury, adductor soreness generally affects one’s vertical and lateral mobility and explosiveness. Oubre has played north of 30 minutes in each game this series, even after the diagnosis, but he was clearly hampered by the injury, at least during Game 4.
Oubre finished 0-of-6 from the field and only two points, coming off a single trip to the free-throw line. The Celtics easily overcame the Sixers, largely due to Philadelphia adjusting to the reintegration of Joel Embiid, who was making his series debut after an appendectomy, but Oubre’s hampered performance was undoubtedly a concern as they suddenly faced elimination in Game 5.
In Game 5, Oubre took a step forward. In Game 6, he played a major role in the Sixers’ 106-93 win, which forced Saturday’s Game 7. All the while, he kept up his physical style of play on both ends.
“I've been saying it, Kelly is a warrior,” George said. “He's nothing short of that word. He's just a flat warrior. I love going to war with guys like that, that does whatever. Don't mind doing dirty work. Don't mind putting his body through things.”
Oubre’s physicality, and arguably more important, his willingness to take on the brunt of Boston’s physicality, has been crucial for the Sixers and was once again so in Game 6. Through the first six games of this playoff series, Oubre has drawn a remarkable 11 offensive fouls.
Alongside Paul George, he’s been a major cause of frustration for the Celtics’ offense, particularly for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
“I think, in tandem, me and him have been phenomenal on the wings where we can take those matchups and we can switch. And, you know, one of those guys, [Jayson Tatum] or [Jaylen Brown] aren't on the floor, we can give one another a break. So it's been great.”
At its peak, the Sixers’ defense has been tremendous this series. They have held Boston to less than 100 points in each of their three wins in the first round. Jaylen Brown has averaged 25.3 points in those games, but they’ve not come easily, shooting 27-of-64 along with 11 turnovers. Jayson Tatum has averaged 20 points, shooting 22-of-51 from the field and 8-of-26 from three, with 10 turnovers in those games.
Boston’s stars haven’t been locked down, but they’ve been held largely in check, which has been slowly killing Boston’s offense thanks to their continued high usage, not that there’s any legitimate alternative outside of Payton Pritchard, who has been solved in two of Philadelphia’s three wins.
Oubre’s shot has admittedly been a struggle, but he’s continued to be a high-level contributor by doing the little things for Philadelphia. From working backdoor cuts off passes from Joel Embiid to the previously mentioned and emphasis-worthy 11 offensive fouls drawn and timely blocked shots, Oubre has done everything in his power to swing momentum in the Sixers’ favor.
“[Oubre’s] playing great on both ends. So, just look forward to him to continue to shine and for us to continue to help him find rhythm and a flow on the court. But, he's definitely been an unsung hero for us.”
The Sixers are in Boston for a monumental Game 7 matchup. The team has played above their weight so far, but the job is not yet finished. Oubre will once again be needed for the Sixers to complete the upset against their longtime rival.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats included in this article are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, Basketball Reference or Team Rankings. All salary information via Spotrac.
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