PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough situation at the moment with injuries to James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. With their starting backcourt down, they need other guards to step up in their absence.
In Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shake Milton had 27 points and six rebounds while De’Anthony Melton had 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Both played well, but they also had flaws.
Milton, for example, had six turnovers. That can’t happen. Melton still looks a out of place at times on the offensive end.
“We got some work to do,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I am glad that we have one practice, and hopefully, we get a couple guys back. The lack of ball handling was obvious all night, and they knew it.”
The Sixers have two days off before their contest on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. That will allow Milton and Melton to grow in their new roles. The reps these guys are having right now will help in the future.
“I feel like just more consistent,” said Milton. “I’m able to get out there and help the team win. … the whole team does a good job of just encouraging me to keep going even if I make mistakes.”
The Sixers will hope they can continue to develop this new backcourt pairing to have success while being so short-handed.
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