Philly Sports Jabronis
By Doug Ammon, Sixers.com
When the Sixers last took the floor 11 days ago, things looked very different.
After a trade deadline day that saw the Sixers make three deals, Philadelphia entered Friday’s contest against the Pacers without point guard Michael Carter-Williams and swingman K.J. McDaniels, who were dealt to the Bucks and Rockets, respectively.
The squad played hard, as they have all season under head coach Brett Brown, but ultimately fell to the Pacers, 106-95. Both teams struggled from the floor early on, but Indiana was able to get a spark off the bench from Rodney Stuckey, who finished with a season-high 30 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. C.J. Miles, Luis Scola and Damjan Rudez also all scored in double figures for the Pacers, with Miles finishing with 17 points.
Nerlens Noel proved again why he is the premiere shot blocker in the rookie class and one of the best in the league, as the 20-year-old finished with a career-high nine blocks. He notched five in the first quarter alone, tying a floor record in a quarter originally set by Dikembe Mutombo. Noel also added 12 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, becoming just the fourth player to hit those marks in 30 seasons and the only rookie ever to do so.
Another standout for Philadelphia was Luc Mbah a Moute, who tallied a team-high 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the floor to go aong 10 rebounds and three assists. The veteran forward is having a career year and Friday night’s contest marked his fourth straight with at least 13 points. Jerami Grant is another player who is likely to see his workload increase following the deadline, and his 16 points in 28 minutes off the bench matched a career high.
Trade acquisition JaVale McGee finished with two points and two rebounds in 11 minutes of play, while newcomer Tim Frazier started at point guard and finished with 13 points and seven assists. Frazier signed his second 10-day contract with the squad earlier in the day.
“I see us being able to move this group forward. I like what I’m feeling in there,” said Coach Brown. “I’m feeling an energy group and a group that’s not going to pity themselves and roll over.”
Inside the Numbers: 18:04
After missing a grand total of 763 days Jason Richardson made his 2014-15 Sixers debut in the starting lineup and saw 18 minutes and four seconds of game action. He finished the game with seven points (3/7 FG), seven rebounds, two steals, and a block. The 34-year-old will be limited for the time being as he works his way back to full strength, but it was a welcomed sight to see him back on the floor.
Up Next
It’s back to business for the Sixers, as they return to action Sunday in Orlando against the Magic. Tip time is set for 6pm (EST).
