76ers' Doc Rivers Compares Matisse Thybulle's Closeout Ability to Deion Sanders

Blake SchusterContributor IApril 22, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 21: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball against Matisse Thybulle #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 21, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

A night after watching Matisse Thybulle come out of nowhere for a flying block on Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers continues to rave about the second-year pro.

While speaking to reporters Thursday, Rivers compared Thybulle to former NFL cornerback Deion Sanders for his ability to close out on opponents.

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers on Matisse Thybulle: "His ability to close out reminds me a lot of Deion Sanders."

Few comparisons would seem out of line after Thybulle's block, which is likely to make all the year-end highlight reels in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
Had to get the wide version of this. https://t.co/wM8v0WiL4T pic.twitter.com/NAjzBkIIdy

Thybulle finished with three blocks on the night to go with three assists, three rebounds and two steals despite going 0-for-4 from the field in an overtime loss to the Suns.

It's clear Thybulle can impact the game whether he scores or not. He'll have another chance to prove he can do it all on Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks on TNT in primetime.

Just how Sanders would prefer.

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