Players on the Philadelphia 76ers' roster as well as coach Nick Nurse reacted to Kelly Oubre Jr. starting against the Houston Rockets.
The Philadelphia 76ers (24-19) took down the Houston Rockets (26-16) in overtime Thursday 128-122 on the back of a new-look starting lineup.
Instead of Dominick Barlow starting at power forward, 76ers coach Nick Nurse made the decision to start Kelly Oubre Jr. alongside Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Paul George, and Joel Embiid. This move paid off, as Oubre thrived against the Rockets, finishing the night with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a block on 71.4% shooting in 41 minutes of action.
Following the victory over Houston, Nurse said, "I think Barlow has played outstanding and played outstanding again tonight. But Kelly obviously has been a pretty big spark plug, getting to the rim and just guarding. Just guarding really good, tough matchup every night as well. So I went that way. He’s pretty experienced as well.”
Oubre has only appeared in 21 games this season, as he missed nearly a month due to a left knee sprain. It took him half a dozen matchups to return to form, but he now appears more than deserving of the fifth starting spot.
George continues to struggle this season, and the win over the Rockets was no different. He recorded just 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 44.4% shooting in 37 minutes.
However, he seemingly feels more comfortable playing alongside Oubre than Barlow in the starting lineup, saying, "I thought it was great finally get back out there with KO. Obviously, DB has been phenomenal for us in the starting lineup, but KO, that's my running mate. So, it was great to get back out there, and it just felt like this was a group that's been out there for a while."
Embiid is improving with each passing day, as he recorded a triple-double against the Rockets. He had the following to say about Oubre joining the starting five: "Kelly was great. That's the second game that I feel like he's back to where he was to start the season. So when you add an offensive player like that in the lineup and you don't give up anything defensively, that's going to take you places."
It's clear Philadelphia's stars and Nurse are quite fond of Oubre playing in the starting five, so expect to see a similar rotation for Saturday's game against the New York Knicks.
Join the 76ersRoundtable Community
Become part of our growing 76ers Roundtable community — and it’s completely FREE. Share your takes in written posts or videos, jump into discussions with our Roundtable staff, and connect with fellow Sixers fans who live and breathe the team. If you’re asked to download the Roundtable app or sign up, that’s free too!
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on Instagram and X @anthony.pasciolla.