On May 3, Beijing time, the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals G1, 76ers lost to the Heat 92-106 away, and the overall score was 0-1 behind. In this game, Embiid was injured and absent, Jordan Jr. started with 17 minutes and 16 seconds, shooting 2-of-2, with 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks, plus-minus -22.
Since Jordan Jr. joined the 76ers, fans have been unhappy with his performance. In this G1 game, Jordan Jr.'s performance is still unremarkable. Even so, Rivers insisted on jordan jr. starting at G2 until Embiid returned.
Rivers may have done so to maintain the height of the interior line while strengthening Harden's internal and external connections with Jordan Jr. But the content of the game tells us that Jordan Jr. can't help the 76ers much. When he wasn't there, the team did even better.
Statistics show that Jordan Jr. played 4 minutes and 21 seconds in the first half, with a plus-minus of -12. Millsap was on the scene with 5 minutes and 14 seconds and a plus-minus of -3. Paul Reed was on the field with 9 minutes and 09 seconds and a plus-minus of +7. And when the 76ers didn't have an inside player on the court and Harris was pushed into the center position, the 76ers did better. They played a "five-small lineup" of 5 minutes and 16 seconds with plus-minus of +9.
However, the "five small lineup" is not a conventional weapon, and the 76ers definitely need inside players. Because the Heat are a team that is good at grabbing rebounds, they grabbed 15 frontcourt rebounds and 18 second-time offensive opportunities in this game. Paul Reid is clearly a better fit than Jordan Jr. In this campaign, Reid grabbed five frontcourt rebounds, and he should have been reused by Rivers in the back games.
In addition, Rivers should consider giving rookie Charles Bussey a chance to see if he can provide similar energy. For the 76ers to remain competitive, they have to go all out until Embiid returns.