PHILADELPHIA, PA–The Philadelphia 76ers were blown out at home to the hands of the Boston Celtics 135-87 on a night where there were no positives for the Sixers.
The Celtics shot a ridiculous 25-for-45 from deep, they got 29 points from Jaylen Brown and another 28 points from Jayson Tatum and the Sixers made a combined eight triples. Even Joel Embiid only scored 19 points as his streak of 23 straight games with at least 25 points came to an end.
The only positive the Sixers could even remotely take from this game was the debut of Paul Millsap. The veteran big man played nine minutes in the fourth quarter for his first game since Jan. 13 and he scored nine points and he made both of his 3-point attempts.
“He looked good,” said coach Doc Rivers. “After the game, he said he felt pretty good I was surprised. He’s not been playing so he’s been working out every day and he’s been playing pickup games in Atlanta, but this is NBA basketball. He will add some toughness to us, there’s no doubt about that, he’ll be able to step out and make 3s for us at the 5 spot. That’ll be something we work on.”
Millsap made an impact almost right away as he grabbed two offensive rebounds and he then stepped out and drilled a triple. He then followed that up with his second triple and it was just a solid game for somebody who hasn’t played in over a month.
“Man, I felt great,” Millsap beamed. “It felt good to be on the court playing basketball. It’s a little disappointing under the circumstances, but it felt great to be back out there.”
With that being said, the Sixers still aren’t sure how to best use Millsap. When the trade happened, he and Rivers were able to have a conversation, but considering how long it has been since he’s played, the Sixers still aren’t really sure of how best to utilize him.
“Not yet,” Millsap added. “I know we talked on the phone when it happened, but I think now is just getting a feel. I’m sure he don’t wanna put me out there too soon, but I feel great. I feel like I can get out there and contribute, but that’s coach’s call. I’ll leave that up to him. Whenever he calls my name, I’ll be ready.”
Philadelphia will have one final game before the All-Star break on Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road so that will be another opportunity for Rivers and Millsap to figure it out.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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