Yesterday was a game that makes fans of Philadelphia excited about the future. No, not because what we all thought—or were at least teased with by the “4-4-14” tweet from Nerlens Noel. The rookie did not play, but their other promising sure did. He also made up for the disappointment of no Noel.
Granted, the Boston Celtics are not the Boston Celtics of old. But looking past that, it still was an impressive performance by the centerpiece of the Sixers’ future. Trailing at the half, he put Philadelphia on top.
Then, when the game got close late, the rookie exploded for seven straight points to make it a 10 point game with just over two minutes remaining. And just think, he’s going to have help next year. A lot more help.
Philadelphia quietly has a nice group of pieces for the future, and last night’s game really showcased that. In addition to Carter-Williams, Henry Sims had a career-high 24 points. Tony Wroten made half of his shots, which frankly is a bit of an off night. Still, though, they look like promising pieces to the puzzle. And then of course is the dependable veteran of the group, Thaddeus Young. Add the two rookies in MCW and Noel, that’s five nice pieces going into the future.
This core may not have been evident while they were getting trenched by teams out West and losing by 40+ points, but they have their moments. Beneath the Elliot Williams and Casper Wares that are kind of the poster boys of the “Tank”, there is something there. They have enough of a foundation to make the team relevant in the league by 2016.
Together we build.
Game Notes:
- The last time the Sixers had a winning streak, the Philadelphia Eagles were getting set to play the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. It’s been a while—over three months.
- Brooklyn comes into the game on a three-game road losing streak.
- Despite having the worst perimeter defense in the league, Philadelphia has limited three of their last four opponents to under 30% from three. They will need that type of effort tonight with sharp shooters Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson coming in.
- Last time the Sixers faced the Nets, they were buried under .500. They have since turned their season around under Jason Kidd’s leadership and have gone 20-9 since their last match up on Feb. 3.
Injuries:
Nerlens Noel and Jason Richardson are both out, recovering from torn ACLs. For the Nets, Brooke Lopez, who broke his foot against Philadelphia in December, is out for the season. Byron Mullens is listed as “day-to-day”, but is doubtful to play with an injured ankle. Kevin Garnett, who is nursing a bad back, is questionable.
Starting Lineups:
Brooklyn:
PG- Deron Williams
SG- Shaun Livingston
SF- Joe Johnson
PF- Paul Pierce
C- Mason Plumlee
Philadelphia:
PG Michael Carter-Williams
SG James Anderson
SF Hollis Thompson
PF Thaddeus Young
C Henry Sims
Prediction: Brooklyn is on a mission now and they handle the inferior Sixers.
