BOSTON — Paul Reed is one of the more interesting players on the Philadelphia 76ers. He is his genuine self 100% of the time and he gives great energy every day as he looks to help the Sixers.
He made some big plays down the stretch in a 119-115 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, including four clutch free throws. The fact he went 4-for-4 from the line in the waning minutes to seal the win for the Sixers was a surprise considering he shot only 74.5% from the foul line this season.
However, there has been a secret to his success at the foul line as of late: hard work.
“I gotta make 21 free throws in a row before I leave the gym,” Reed said on Tuesday. “Every day. It started maybe like midseason. I was working out with one of my trainers. I had flew him in and he had told me this is what he used to do to help him shoot free throws better during the game so ever since then, I’ve been doing that ever since then. The free-throw percentage went up.”
Before the All-Star break, Reed shot 72.7% from the free-throw line. After the break, he was at 75.9% and he’s 5-for-5 to begin the postseason. The work Reed continues to put in is obvious.
Other than the big free throws, Reed also grabbed key rebounds and made some big defensive plays. Of course, he did so after getting a talking to from PJ Tucker after the Celtics made some big plays on the glass.
Instead of getting upset with Tucker, the young big man took it in stride and just focused on winning the game.
“I just know me getting mad and trying to snap back, it ain’t gonna do any of us any good,” said Reed. “The best thing I can do is just accept what he’s saying and keep my cool and go out there and keep playing. I don’t think getting mad is gonna help anything or trying to argue back and forth. That’s not gonna help us win so I can take criticism and, hopefully, I can set an example for other dudes to take criticism, too.”
With Joel Embiid still doubtful for Game 2 on Wednesday, the Sixers will need Reed to continue to make strides. He is going to be a hugely important player in this series.
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