After hanging their hat on defense all season, the 76ers did the same in their 130-103 Game 1 playoff victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night, and leading the Sixers’ defensive charge was Robert Covington.
As he was in the regular season, Covington was tasked with guarding Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade, along with whoever was picked up on a switch, including Kelly Olynyk and Wayne Ellington.
Miami plays a slower, more methodical style of half-court basketball than many teams. With their guards running side-to-side for much of the shot clock, Covington’s defensive assignments are constantly on the move, a job that can be tiring and requires adaptability.