BOSTON–The Philadelphia 76ers started off the season on a tough note as they fell to the Boston Celtics on the road 126-117. There were some positive to be taken away from this one, but the Sixers needed more from the supporting cast on the road and they couldn’t get it.
The Sixers received strong play from James Harden as he threw the team on his back on multiple occasions, but the rest of the team didn’t hold up their end of the bargain.
Coach Doc Rivers did say the rotation will be fluid to begin the season and on Tuesday, he went with Montrezl Harrell over Paul Reed against the C’s. Harrell struggled as he committed three fouls in 10:44 of playing time and he had two points and he didn’t grab a single rebound while Reed didn’t play.
“I thought Montrezl earned it,” said Rivers. “I thought Trez played well in the preseason. We liked the matchup tonight because they go small and Trez usually has a great effect. Trez has to play better.”
Harrell was given no indication that he was going to be the backup center heading into this game. He was just ready to go out there and do his job in order to try and help the Sixers win a game.
“I literally came in just prepared to do my job and go out when my name was called,” he explained. “Simple as that. I didn’t know what the minutes was gonna be tonight, I didn’t know when my name was gonna be called, but I know at some point, it may be, and if it don’t, I’m a pro. I’ve been in this game, this is year eight now. You live and you learn. Move on.”
The Sixers will now take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the home opener on Thursday.
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