MCW Makes Stellar Debut, Sixers Beat Heat to Open 13-14 Season

By Max Rappaport, Sixers.com 

The Sixers jumped out to a big lead early in the first quarter, scoring 19 unanswered points in the first four and a half minutes of the game. Miami eventually found their groove, though, going 6-of-12 from the field after starting the game 0-for-7.

Carrying a 33-14 lead into the second quarter, the Sixers were held to just one point in the first five and a half minutes of the frame – an Evan Turner free throw that was the result of a Miami defensive three-second violation. The Heat capitalized, breaking off a 14-1 run that cut the Philly lead to single digits. By halftime, Miami clawed its way back to trail by just two points, making it a 51-49 game.

Sixers rookie
Michael-Carter Williams

In the third, the Heat looked like a different team, scoring a Wells Fargo Center record 45 points in the third quarter, nine of which came in its final 40 seconds. The Sixers, though, were able to weather the storm, scoring 32 points of their own in that quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Sixers’ defense was stifling, allowing just 16 points on 5-of-22 shooting (22.7%). LeBron James, who finished the game with 25 points (9/17 FG) and 13 assists, was held to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting in the final frame, turning the ball over twice, while dishing out just one assist. Philly trailed 105-97 midway through the quarter, but scored 17 of the game’s last 22 points to take home the 114-110 opening night victory.

MCW’s Record-breaking Night

Rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams broke an NBA debut record Wednesday night, notching nine steals in his first game as a pro. He also had 22 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds, while committing just one turnover; he’s the first Sixer since Maurice Cheeks (1978) to record a double-double in their NBA debut.

Turner and Hawes Help Secure Win

Not to be overlooked in Wednesday’s win were the performances of Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes. Turner led all scorers with 25 points of 10-of-19 shooting, adding five assists and four rebounds, while Hawes scored 24 on 10-of-14 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.