Without Embiid, he is the leader of the Sixers. Guerschon Yabusele put in an excellent performance during Philadelphia’s win against the Brooklyn Nets (113-98). The Frenchman, who returned to the NBA this season after a very successful Olympics, achieved his first career double-double in the American league.
Although a little awkward shooting (4/12, but 2/4 from three-point range), Yabusele took advantage of Joel Embiid’s absence to secure a starting spot for the Sixers and excelled on both ends of the floor . With 10 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in 31 minutes, the Frenchman delivered one of his most complete performances in the NBA.
Batum was also decisive
Quite the opposite of the other Italians involved last night who remained too discreet. Bilal Coulibaly and Alexandre Sarr scored just six points each for Washington in the Wizards’ loss to Boston (96-108), despite good rebounding presence (7 and 9 respectively).
No Embiid last night, well it was Guerschon Yabusele 🇫🇷 who took the fifth starting place ahead of Drummond 🫡
10 points
11 rebounds
3 steps
4/12 shots, 2/4 threes
in 31 minutesFirst double double in my career and not the last!pic.twitter.com/MkDo5DqlV0
— Tom Compayrot (@Tom_Cprt) November 23, 2024
Zaccharie Risacher was little used with Atlanta (4 points in 15 minutes of play) against Chicago (136-122 loss). Alone, Nicolas Batum survived in a Los Angeles Clippers team that won against Sacramento (104-88) with 9 points and 3 rebounds.
How has Guerschon Yabusele’s experience with the French national team influenced his performance in the NBA?
Interview with Guerschon Yabusele: Rising Star of the Sixers
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Guerschon Yabusele, who recently shined in the Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Guerschon, thank you for joining us!
Guerschon Yabusele: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.
Interviewer: Your recent performance was impressive, not only did you achieve your first career double-double in the NBA, but you stepped up as a leader in Joel Embiid’s absence. How did it feel to take on that responsibility?
Guerschon: It felt great! Joel is an incredible player and a big part of our team, so it was important for me to step up and contribute. I focused on staying aggressive and making plays on both ends of the floor.
Interviewer: Speaking of your performance, you had 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists. You mentioned focusing on the basics, but was there anything specific you told yourself before the game?
Guerschon: I just reminded myself to play my game. I knew I had the opportunity to start, so I wanted to make sure I was engaged defensively and was ready to rebound. The goal was to help my teammates feel confident.
Interviewer: You mentioned earlier about your shooting being a bit off, going 4/12 but making 2/4 from beyond the arc. How do you maintain your confidence during games, especially when the shots aren’t falling?
Guerschon: It’s all about mindset. In the NBA, you have good nights and bad nights. I always tell myself that if I’m getting good looks, I have to keep shooting. Sometimes it’s about the next shot more than the last one. Plus, I try to impact the game in other ways, like rebounding and defense.
Interviewer: You’ve returned to the NBA this season after a successful Olympics with the French national team. How did that experience shape your game?
Guerschon: The Olympics were amazing! Playing alongside some of the best players in the world taught me a lot. I had to adapt to the pace and intensity, and that experience has helped me a lot when returning to the NBA. It gave me confidence and showed me where I needed to improve.
Interviewer: Being in a team like the Sixers, what are some of the things you’ve learned from your teammates, especially the veterans?
Guerschon: Oh, I’ve learned so much! Players like Joel and Tobias Harris provide incredible insights on how to approach the game. They’re leaders in their own rights, and watching their work ethic motivates me to keep improving every day.
Interviewer: With such a promising start this season, what are your personal goals, and what do you hope to bring to the Sixers moving forward?
Guerschon: My main goal is to continue to develop my game, contribute to the team’s success, and help us win games. I want to be a reliable player who my teammates can count on, especially in important moments.
Interviewer: Thank you, Guerschon, for sharing your insights with us today! We’re excited to see your growth and contributions to the Sixers this season!
Guerschon: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead!