Matisse Thybulle is known for his defense, and that was in full display against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
Thybulle was tasked with guarding Curry as he looked to make history by passing Ray Allen for most 3 pointers made all time. Thybulle held Curry to 3-14 from the field and blocked two 3 point shots for the first time in Curry’s career.
Matisse Thybulle is the first player ever to block multiple Steph Curry 3pt attempts in a game.
(h/t @ESPNStatsInfo) pic.twitter.com/Bd5taDofua
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 12, 2021
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After the game, Joel Embiid made a case for Thybulle winning the defensive player of the year award. While is unlikely, Thybulle has still established himself as one of the league’s top defenders in the midst of his third year.
The interesting thing about the Sixers-Warriors game is that Timberwolves’ owner Alex Rodriguez was in attendance. Could Rodriguez just be interested in seeing Curry break the record or was he self-scouting Sixers players in the midst of Ben Simmons rumors?
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez was in attendance for tonight’s Sixers-Warriors matchup. A team source confirms.
— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcCNBA) December 12, 2021
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It has been rumored that the Timberwolves have been interested in Simmons and either Tyrese Maxey or Matisse Thybulle could also be involved to sweeten the pot in their search for a top-25 player.
Under no circumstance should the Sixers part with Thybulle in a Ben Simmons trade. The Sixers would be better off taking a lesser player for Simmons than giving up the outstanding defense that Thybulle brings night in and night out.
Matisse Thybulle not giving Steph Curry no room whatsoever.
Elite defense.
— Sergen Kumaş (@sergenkumas) December 12, 2021
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Saturday’s clinic against the Warriors proved even further that Matisse Thybulle should remain a Sixer for the foreseeable future. There is no way to quantify the value that Thybulle brings, but Doc Rivers having the ability to snap his finger and eliminate a top scorer from a game should not be taken for granted.
In years past, the Sixers may have been able to part with Thybulle’s defense because of the ability of Ben Simmons but moving on from both of them will only open up another weakness for the Sixers.
Trading Thybulle doesn’t make sense for the Sixers as their defense has been one of the only things keeping them in games this season. Thybulle’s presence late in games has been a major reason why the Sixers tend to win close games this season.
Daryl Morey tends to win trades but it’s not likely he wins this one if Thybulle is included.
Photo via Getty Images
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