Playing in front of over 500 friends and family, and millions more watching on TV, Hyland had a signature game when the Nuggets needed it.
In front of at least 500 friends and family, and millions more watching on TV, Bones Hyland had a signature performance to send the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hyland produced 21 points, four rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes to help the Nuggets to a 114-110 win. He hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, including the dagger with 1:51 left in the game to seal the victory for Denver.
“I think he had around 500 people representing his hometown here tonight and he showed out,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said. “He had just a great game. He hit some big, big shots for us.”
Hyland, who was born in Wilmington, Delaware, roughly 30 minutes away, faced the 76ers for the first time this season in Philadelphia. Given the occasion, Hyland had a packed guest list there and even estimated that there could have more than 700 friends and family in attendance.
Included in that count was the Wilmington Fire Department.
The 21-year-old suffered through a tragic loss in March 2018 when a house fire took the life of his grandmother and one-year-old cousin. He also endured a significant knee injury when he was forced to jump from the second story to escape the fire.
With the Nuggets in Philadelphia, those individuals that were involved in the incident were on hand to witness Hyland play, something that meant a lot to him. Hyland had the opportunity to greet them prior to the game.
“He takes a tremendous amount of pride in where he is from and the people that have helped him get here,” Malone said. “For him to have that game — 21 points, 7-of-14 from the field and knocks down four 3s — and to be a young kid, in this atmosphere: ‘Fearless.’ That is one word I’d use to describe Bones Hyland.”
The Nuggets, who trailed by as many as 19 points, snapped a two-game losing streak with the win. The comeback marked their largest of the season as they maintain a 1.5-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in seventh place.
It wasn’t a career night from Hyland but it was certainly a memorable one for him. Considering the circumstances, the game was likely one Hyland won’t soon forget.
“To come back to my hometown and put on a show here, that is a dream come true for me,” Hyland said. “Like I always say, I’m the kid that wants to show the next kid in the city that this can be you in my position. Growing up, I never had that guy that could show me the ropes so I just want to be the guidance for the younger youth and keep leading.”
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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