The Philadelphia 76ers relied on others to provide production while they rested their top six players in a game that meant nothing on Friday. As they visited the Atlanta Hawks, they turned to role players and youngsters.
The Sixers shocked the Hawks, 136-131, in overtime despite trailing at one point by 15. They received contributions from everybody. Jalen McDaniels, Georges Niang and Danuel House Jr. all scored at least 22 points, and Jaden Springer had 19 Montrezl Harrell and others also contributed.
Mac McClung made his Sixers debut and played well in the second half after a shaky first half. McClung was 0-for-2 and committed a turnover in the first half, but he had five points, knocked down a 3 and had a rebound after halftime.
“He tried to do too much with the ball and it’s probably nerves,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters. “They played last night (Thursday), but he’s got great athleticism and he can shoot the ball, too. So that helps him.”
McClung, who signed a two-way deal with the Sixers before the All-Star break and before he won the slam dunk contest, will most likely receive a big opportunity in the season finale on Sunday. Considering the Sixers again have nothing to play for, McClung will have another chance to show what he can do at the NBA level.
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