Game Info
Philadelphia 76ers vs San Antonio Spurs: July 5, 7 p.m. (Eastern)
How to Watch: The Comcast Network, NBA TV
How to Listen: Sixers.com’s Live Summer League Audio Stream
Quick Hits from Game One
Coming off last night’s 102-94 loss to the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia looks to earn its first summer league win against the Spurs. No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons impressed in his debut (10 points, five assists and eight rebounds) before leaving early with cramps in both calves. He will not play today.The first ever @BenSimmons25 Sixers Highlight. #SummerSixers[ >> https://t.co/OySsmYQJEp ]https://t.co/NSjZE7VyNc— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) July 5, 2016
The first ever @BenSimmons25 Sixers Highlight. #SummerSixers[ >> https://t.co/OySsmYQJEp ]https://t.co/NSjZE7VyNc
* Philadelphia saw a lot of time at the free-throw line against Boston, as the team attempted 39 FTs, and made 32.
* Christian Wood (20), Richaun Holmes (13), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (13), Simmons (10) and James Webb III (10) all scored in double figures.
* The team also displayed an impressive amount of ball movement; the Sixers swung the ball around the top of the key effectively, and it led to 17 assists on the night.
* Holmes was a force as a rim-protector, as the Bowling Green product recorded five total blocks
Competing With Excellence
The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA. The organization has been a paragon of consistency, making the playoffs every season since 1998. Sixers coach Brett Brown played a part in this success as an assistant from 2002-2013.
Although it’s the summer league, expect to see a lot of efficient basketball from the Spurs. Ball movement is practically synonymous with the Spurs, who typically play fundamentally sound basketball. That kind of efficiency is a big reason why the Spurs have been so successful in recent memory.
Competing against one of the NBA’s elite teams is always a compelling storyline, and it will be beneficial for this young Sixers summer league team.
Lost in the Woods
In the team’s first game, Christian Wood led the team with 20 points. During his first year in the NBA, Wood averaged 3.6 points per game, so his scoring outburst against Boston was a pleasant surprise.
In the second game, it will be interesting to keep an eye on how much Wood is a part of the offense.
With Boston going with a small lineup for most of the night, Wood did his damage off the bench. He provided solid production in a supporting role, which is always invaluable for a team to have.
Key Matchup to Watch
Former Villanova point guard Ryan Arcidiacono ended his collegiate career by orchestrating a game-winning shot for the Wildcats in the National Championship. However, his late-game heroics weren’t enough for a team to draft him, as Arcidiacono entered the NBA as a free agent.
Arcidiacono, whom the Sixers worked out days before the draft, will likely be seeing a fair amount of Philadelphia’s T.J. McConnell. Like Arcidiacono, McConnell’s collegiate efforts weren’t enough to warrant being drafted.
The two players have more in common than their lack of draft pedigree, though. McConnell (6’2″ tall) and Arcidiacono (6’4″) have similar frames, and play with good basketball intelligence. Both guards have developed reputations for being tenacious, high-energy guards, who can get their teammates involved.
Additionally, Arcidiacono — born in Philadelphia — grew up a Sixers fan, so he has the chance to play against his hometown team.
Quote of the Day: Summer League Coach Billy Lange
“Let’s label it. Everybody wants to put a label on it, but he’s a basketball player. He’s a really good basketball player, and this is summer league, so there is still a long journey ahead,” Lange said, when asked about Simmons’ “point forward” skill set. “But I think anyone that’s watched enough basketball sees the skill set there that’s really exciting. And that skill set involves ball-handling, dribbling, driving, passing and looking to score.”
