Game Recap: Golden State Warriors Vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Game Recap: Summer League Golden State Warriors Vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The July 12th face-off between the NBA’s near-best Golden State Warriors and the NBA near-worst Philadelphia 76ers happened on a sweltering day in Las Vegas Nevada, where the coolest temperature of the day happened in the wee morning hours.  In short, it’s been hot.

But the temperature was not reflected in the 76ers play, as they fell to the Golden State Warriors in a game where they never truly threatened.  But in summer league, you look at individual play.

The team indicated earlier in the day that the Sixers would be without the services of shooting guard Nik Stauskas and small forward Jerami Grant.  Grant was pulled to prepare for his work with Team USA Select with teammate Jahlil Okafor, while Stauskas was pulled after appearing in two games.

The game featured much of the same elements of the other summer league games.  Once more, Christian Wood led all scorers, sinking 22 points on 67 percent shooting from the floor, including 40 percent shooting from long range.

Joining Wood in double digits was T.J. McConnell and Richaun Holmes, each boasting 11 points in the contest.

Ben Simmons continued to display the promise of his potential, ending the game with eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists.  He continues to deliver the ball into the hands of his teammates, but assists require a successful shot.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot struggled, only completing 27.3 percent of his shots from the floor.  McConnell also struggled to find the basket, ending the night on an identical 3 out of 11 shooting.

While Simmons showed signs of NBA brilliance, he reminded me that he is a rookie after all at times.  He lost the ball 5 times in 29 minutes of play, a statistic we will need to keep an eye on, particularly early in the season, as he adjusts to the play of the big leagues.

Player Of The Game

I don’t know how the team will find room to play Christian Wood, but I think it’s important that they do.  He has done everything humanly possible to demonstrate he deserves a roster spot.
His 22 points led all players, as well as five rebounds, two blocked shots and two assists.

At Las Vegas, Wood averaged 13.0 points per game on just 18.7 minutes, 5.3 rebounds per game, and shot 48.1 percent from the floor.

Ben Simmons finished the series in Vegas with 11.3 points per game on 19.7 minutes per game, seven rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

Looking ahead

The Philadelphia 76ers will continue to develop players and team chemistry this summer, and will do so as they face their next team in organized summer league activity. Having fallen to 1-5, the 76ers will not be competing in the summer league playoffs. Instead, they will face a development league team today.

While there were certainly plenty of areas to improve on the team, and certainly more wins from summer league to build momentum heading into the season, there was enough present to excite the fans.

Next: The Philadelphia 76ers Starting Five for 2016-2017

Christian Wood made a very persuasive case as to why he should be on the Philadelphia 76ers roster on opening day, while Richaun Holmes answered back as to why that roster spot should come from somewhere else.

Ben Simmons flirted with a triple double on several occasions, and his passes were gorgeous. He has silenced critics who were concerned with his selection at the number one pick in the NBA draft, and the popularity of the Philadelphia 76ers games in Las Vegas indicate the NBA is already embracing the team.