Sixers Show Length, Athleticism In Impressive Win Over Rockets
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- They were long. They were fast. They were high. And they were everywhere.
The Sixers blocked eight shots, tallied up 12 steals, forced 24 turnovers to only nine assists allowed, and held the Rockets to 34.4% shooting from the field en route to a 92-71 dominating win. Nerlens Noel blocked three shots and had two steals in just under 24 minutes of game action. While his offensive game is still raw and choppy at times, Noel has been an elite defender and tenacious at the rim in two Orlando Summer League games. Noel added eight points on 3-6 shooting from the field and 2-2 shooting from the line, to go along with six rebounds.
"We are asking a lot of him on the defensive end," Sixers Assistant Coach Lloyd Pierce said of Noel after the win. "I think that's where he'll make a name for our team and for himself and then he'll continue to grow and develop offensively in certain areas."
Point-guard Casper Ware lead the Sixers in scoring for the second-straight game, scoring 16 points (5-14 FG, 5-5 FT) in 25 minutes on Tuesday night. However, the Sixers most impressive offensive player was their 32nd overall pick in the NBA draft, K.J. McDaniels. The 6'6" wing-guard netted 15 points shooting 4-8 from the field, 2-2 from beyond the arc, and 5-6 from the line. McDaniels, who played posied and under-control all night, continues to prove he can do pretty much everything on the court. He added five boards and a block, as well.
The Sixers' four 6'8" lengthy slashers---Ronald Roberts Jr., Hollis Thompson, JaKarr Sampson, and Jerami Grant---all played well, showing flashes of their elite athleticism throughout the game. Thompson, Sampson, Grant all finished in double-figures, while Roberts Jr. finished with nine points. Samspon lead the Sixers in rebounds with eight to go along with three steals and two blocks, while Grant brought down five boards of his own. Thompson scored 14 points, making four of seven three-pointers.
Arsalan Kazemi made his professional debut, playing 18 minutes, recording just one rebound and no shots. Kazemi has the NBA frame---6'7", 225-pounds---but clearly needs to get acclimated to the style of play. He looked lost at times.
The Sixers are now 2-1 in the Summer League and 2-0 in games when Noel plays. Their next game is Wednesday at 5:00pm E.T. against the Brooklyn Nets.
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