While Council led the team in scoring, the big contributor in the second half was Aluma. He had another efficient night, getting his 19 on 8-of-10 shooting, including a couple of big three-point plays. He knocked one down behind the arc off a pick-and-pop with Dowtin, then hit a reverse layup, getting an and-1 in the process a few moments later.
Philadelphia has gotten solid play from their bigs all summer. Bona once again filled up the stat sheet, going a perfect 4-of-4 from the field for eight points along with six boards. He was once again excellent defensively as well, as his five blocks would indicate. It was nice to see both Bona and Aluma step out and hit a jumper as well.
It’s weird to call it a quiet game for Council as he was the game’s leading scorer, but he did book end the game with a couple of exciting dunks in transition. Him and Dowtin have been a really good steadying presence for this squad. They just look like professionals out there.
It is time for the big stage. The summer Sixers tipped off their first game in the Vegas tournament, knocking off the Detroit Pistons 94-81 Saturday night.
Ricky Council IV led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 7-of-17 from the field. Keve Aluma continues to shine as he finished with 19 points, eight boards, a steal and a block. Jeff Dowtin Jr. finished with 18 points, while Jared McCain finished with 11 points shooting 4-of-14 from the floor and 1-of-6 from three.
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
While McCain had another rough shooting line, his process to get those shots up weren’t bad by any means. While his struggle to create separation does feel like a concern at times, his craftiness and strength does alleviate that somewhat.
His decision making continues to be one of the most impressive aspects of his game this summer. It always feels like he’s making the right read attacking a defense out of the pick-and-roll. The Sixers’ offense feels pretty hopeless if one of McCain or Dowtin is not initiating things.
The Sixers' Keve Aluma spent last season playing in the Korean Basketball league.
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