4 Biggest takeaways as 76ers tally crucial loss in Summer League action
![2024 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League - Memphis Grizzlies v Philadelphia 76ers 2024 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League - Memphis Grizzlies v Philadelphia 76ers](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5120,h_2880,x_0,y_23/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/98/01j2dbnk3ghj8tsm46vy.jpg)
It was a disappointing end to a competitive affair. The 76ers started out quickly outscoring the Grizzlies by 14 points at the end of the first quarter. The Grizzlies quickly responded in the second frame tying the score heading into halftime.
The game remained a back-and-forth affair throughout the second half leading to a tense final two minutes. Unfortunately, the 76ers came up on the wrong end of the final result losing to a buzzer beating floater by Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells.
Each of the 76ers’ first two games remained competitive into the fourth quarter providing valuable reps for their young squad. Let’s cover the key takeaways from Tuesday night’s action.
Jared McCain finds his range for the 76ers
Stats: 22 minutes, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers
After missing all six of his three-point attempts during his first game, McCain went 3/7 from deep in tonight’s contest. He demonstrated his patented quick release and consistent balance to get his shot up. Never lacking confidence, McCain beelined to the corner to get his shots up during transition opportunities.
Jared McCain back-to-back 3s 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pzuaFAtwD1
— ESPN (@espn) July 9, 2024
He continues to handle the ball initiating the offense on numerous possessions. He penetrates the paint while maintaining court vision, finding open shooters and delivering slick passes to his centers for easy finishes.
Jared McCain’s shooting will be what earns him the opportunity for NBA minutes early on
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) July 9, 2024
But in the long run I think he can develop into a true PG that would be really helpful. Super advanced changes of speeds and manipulation of defensepic.twitter.com/jKd3mJqW1b
McCain got to the rim multiple times during the game but had difficulty finishing tonight. His lack of length and vertical ability increases the difficulty of his attempts. In game one, he showed an array of finishes to convert but consistency is an area of development.
Another area McCain will need to develop is his ball security and strength while pressuring the defense. He had a difficult time maintaining control of the ball against the Grizzlies swiping hands.
Overall, it was another promising showing for the 76ers first round pick.