Furkan Korkmaz Shines in Sixers’ Victory over Raptors
In recent years, Furkan Korkmaz has been more known for his trade requests than his on-court performance. However, the Philadelphia 76ers’ shooting guard proved his worth in a 114-99 win over the Toronto Raptors.
A Strong Performance
Korkmaz showcased his skills with 10 points, one rebound, and three steals in just 22 minutes of action. His two-way performance included disrupting the Raptors’ passing lanes and hitting a crucial three-pointer. One of the highlights of the game was an incredible end-to-end sequence involving Korkmaz and Joel Embiid, leaving fans in awe.
Nurse’s Decision
After the game, Raptors coach Nick Nurse explained his decision to give Korkmaz significant minutes. Nurse acknowledged that he didn’t have much opportunity to evaluate Korkmaz during the preseason due to health reasons. However, he recognized Korkmaz’s potential and believed his shooting and ball-handling skills would benefit the team.
Instilling Confidence
Despite limited playing time in the past, Nurse expressed his confidence in Korkmaz. He recalled previous games where Korkmaz had performed well against the Raptors, emphasizing that Korkmaz had produced on the NBA stage before.
Catching Up to Speed
Korkmaz addressed the challenge of catching up to the speed of the game after missing the preseason due to a leg strain injury. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by European players who transition from playing for their national teams to joining their NBA teams. Despite the setback, Korkmaz was grateful for the opportunity to play and contribute to the team’s success.
A Shared Offensive Mentality
The Sixers have prioritized ball movement this season, and Korkmaz emphasized the importance of players accepting this mentality. He acknowledged that it’s not solely the coach’s responsibility to promote flow and teamwork, but also the players’. Korkmaz believes that this shared mindset is crucial for the team’s championship aspirations.
Mental Strength and Team Unity
Korkmaz highlighted the team’s mental strength and unity, comparing it to the previous season’s ups and downs. He expressed confidence that this year would be different, with a stronger mindset and a more cohesive team. Korkmaz praised the Raptors’ chemistry and talent but emphasized the Sixers’ ability to respond and maintain control of the game.
Future Role
It remains to be seen how Korkmaz will fit into the Sixers’ rotation moving forward, especially with the addition of four new players from Los Angeles. However, Korkmaz’s performance against the Raptors showcased his readiness and ability to contribute when called upon.
