Okafor Makes Impressive 76er Debut During 112-95 Loss to Boston

Report From Philadelphia 76ers

Game Recap: Celtics 112, 76ers 95

The 76ers (0-1) received a near-historic performance from Jahlil Okafor, but couldn’t sustain a strong start in their regular season opener, slipping to the Boston Celtics (1-0), 112-95, at TD Garden. Okafor, in dominant fashion, churned out 10 points in the first quarter of his NBA career, en route to finishing with 26 points overall. It was the third-highest total ever for a Sixer rookie. The second quarter proved to be the Sixers’ undoing, as they were outscored by 16 points, and never could recover.

In addition to Okafor’s encouraging debut, the Sixers also received a productive two-way performance from Nerlens Noel. He registered a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. The second-year power forward led all rookies with 18 double-doubles a year ago.

Boston was paced by Isaiah Thomas. The reserve spark plug dropped a game-high 27 points. Also factoring in the outcome were the Sixers’ 24 turnovers, which the Celtics converted into 34 points. Boston posted a 26-7 advantage in fast-break points as well.

Standout Sequence:

In a four-minute stretch that began at the 10-minute mark of the first quarter, Jahlil Okafor scored five straight baskets for the Sixers. From there, Nerlens Noel got going, putting in three consecutive buckets of his own. The frontcourt pairing produced 16 of the Sixers’ first 26 points, helping stake the team to a-26 17 lead. The margin would be their biggest of the night.

Brett Brown Said – On Jahlil Okafor and the Sixers’ frontcourt:

“I leave encouraged…[Jahlil Okafor] has capabilities beyond what I thought…He didn’t disappoint.”

Of Note:

In the days leading up to Jahil Okafor’s debut, Brett Brown spent time talking to his rookie about the different nature of pre-season and regular season NBA basketball. The first 10 minutes of Okafor’s career, however, unfolded in impressive fashion. He went on the attack against fourth-year big man Tyler Zeller, and scored 10 straight points singlehandedly.

From there, the Celtics changed their strategy. Boston head coach Brad Stevens yanked Zeller, and began double-teaming Okafor. Okafor, who managed just four points between the second and third quarters, then had to adjust himself. He recaptured his early form in the fourth quarter, generating a dozen points in the fourth frame. In all, Okafor logged 38 minutes worth of action.

Leading up to tip-off, the plan was for Nik Stauskas to make his Sixers debut against Boston. Brett Brown confirmed in his pre-game media availability that the second-year Michigan product had been cleared to come off the bench, and get anywhere from 14 to 16 minutes of action. Towards the end of the first quarter, however, the team announced that back spasms – not Stauskas’ original right knee injury – would prevent him from playing in the game at all.

Afterwards, Brown classified Stauskas as “day-to-day,” saying that he aggravated his back during pre-game warm-ups.

While much of the focus surrounding the Sixers’ 2015 rookie class has been directed towards Jahlil Okafor, three other first-year players were called into duty on Wednesday. T.J. McConnell tallied four points, four assists, and three steals while handling back-up point guard responsibilities. Forwards Richaun Holmes and Christian Wood each played less than seven minutes. Holmes – a second round pick from Bowling Green – finished with two points and three rebounds.

Next Up:

The Sixers open up their 41-date home schedule with the Utah Jazz (0-1) on Friday at 7:00 PM at The Center. Utah enters its second season under former Sixers assistant coach Quin Snyder, who led the Jazz to a strong finish last year. Despite a 38-44 overall record, Utah won 21 of its final 32 games. Guard Dante Exum, selected fifth overall in the June 2014 NBA Draft, tore the ACL in his left knee while competing for the Australian national team in August. The injury will force him to miss the entire season.