Philadelphia 76ers handle Oklahoma City Thunder 102-92 in Summer League Premiere

The Philadelphia 76ers were victorious in their first Summer League game in Salt Lake City as they took down the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-92 led by Ricky Council IV fourth quarter eruption and Philadelphia’s rookie duo of Jared McCain and Adem Bona.

76ers’ Ricky Council IV explodes in the 4th Quarter

SEND RICKY HOME FOR THE SUMMER🔥pic.twitter.com/gIY210gXTr

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 9, 2024

Ricky Council IV came into the Summer League as the only player on the roster who played for the 76ers last season and is currently on a standard NBA deal. Council IV dominantly showed his experience dropping 29 points and 8 rebounds on 9-18 field shooting and 5-10 perimeter shooting.

Council IV started the night off slow as he forced a ton of shots at the rim whether it was off the dribble or striking off the pick-and-roll. The sophomore wing also forced passes to a rolling Adem Bona when the opportunity wasn’t there, however, this serves as a positive sign as it indicates that Council IV has been working on his playmaking ability. 

It was the fourth quarter when Ricky Council IV caught fire and ultimately clinched the 76ers the win as he produced 19 of his 29 points in the final frame. Council IV was unconscious from beyond the arc, knocking down spot-up threes as well as creating his perimeter shots off the dribble with the step-back now in his repertoire. 

Jared McCain made his 76ers debut

OHHHHHHH

pic.twitter.com/SgnTOIC19q

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 9, 2024

After making his first few appearances in a 76ers jersey on TikTok, Philadelphia fans were eager to see Jared McCain, the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft, on the floor. While McCain couldn’t get it going from downtown (0-6 perimeter shooting), he contributed an all-around stat line consisting of 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, on 6-15 field shooting.

The aspect of McCain’s performance that popped out the most was surprisingly his ability to attack the rim, especially on the open floor. The 76ers rookie relentlessly got to the paint off the bounce using a nice burst and swift dribble penetration, thriving against single coverage. 

Jared McCain’s perimeter defense was on display as well with him instinctively switching off screens and making help rotations around the perimeter that blew up Oklahoma City’s possessions. McCain is a high-volume shooter and by nature, he’s going to be streaky, so there shouldn’t be much concern about his shooting whatsoever.

76ers’ Adem Bona made his mark

Jared McCain connects with Adem Bona, who's looking like D12 out here🔥pic.twitter.com/KTUYF2XTvp

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 8, 2024

Adem Bona showed flashes of molding into a quality reserve center displaying his traditional rim-running/shot-blocking playstyle as advertised. Bona contributed 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists, on 3-6 shooting from the field.

Bona found success operating in pick-and-rolls where he received countless lob passes from the likes of Jeff Dowtin Jr, Jared McCain, and Ricky Council IV. Though he didn’t connect on all of them, Bona’s athleticism and potential as a lob threat were extremely apparent. He was a presence off the glass on both ends and had solid interior defensive instincts. 

Adem Bona’s skillset is a bit raw, but there’s clearly a ton of upside and some time with the Delaware Blue Coats could serve him well, regardless if he’s signed to a two-way contract or not. 

The Summer 76ers are back at it tomorrow against the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. EST at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

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