James Ennis brings a lot to the Sixers | Film review

The 76ers are a top-loaded, star-studded team, and however far they make it will be in large part thanks to those stars. But the Sixers would not be where they are if it weren’t for the efforts of James Ennis.

Just a few weeks ago, Ennis was in the throes of a tournament for a spot in the Sixers rotation. That seems so long ago now considering the contribution and importance of Ennis to this team’s success.

Thursday night, Ennis was incredible. Before the final 3 minutes, 33 seconds of garbage time of Game 6, Ennis had racked up five points, eight rebounds (two offensive), three assists, one steal, and one block. During that time, he was plus-18 — better than JJ Redick, Tobias Harris, and Ben Simmons combined. And that’s only what the box score shows.

The box score doesn’t include the deflections, tap-outs, or the four fouls that Ennis drew.

There was also the fact that Ennis spent a large portion of his night guarding Kawhi Leonard. A daunting task for many, but one that Ennis takes on with excitement and pride.

Even after seeing his shot blocked, Ennis raced back on defense on this possession (above), poking the ball away from Leonard with precision, avoiding a foul, and getting the ball into the hands of Mike Scott.

It wasn’t just Leonard whom Ennis guarded in the Sixers’ victory. Ennis also spent time guarding Danny Green, Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and Fred VanVleet, in addition to helping and switching onto everyone else on the team.

It doesn’t seem to matter whom he is guarding — he always plays with the same intensity.

Here, Ennis guards Siakam, frustrating him before and after he picks up his dribble and then forcing him into taking a shot, which Ennis blocks.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a James Ennis review if we didn’t talk about the offensive rebounding. Ennis loves rebounding the ball, and it shows.

Ennis puts himself in position to help the Sixers as often as possible, and his offensive rebounding cannot be overhyped. It’s incredibly valuable to have a guy who is always looking to give the team a second chance.

There is certainly enough footage to make an entire film review on Ennis’ defense or rebounding alone, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t also point out the offensive trust that the Sixers have in him.

In addition to being a guy the team trusts to take three-pointers, he also is often cutting or trailing, using movement to find open lanes.