Philadelphia 76ers dominate San Antonio Spurs 96-80 as Ricky Council IV stars

The Philadelphia 76ers handed the San Antonio Spurs their first loss of the Summer League, blowing them out 96-80 and improving to 3-1 in Las Vegas. As it stands, Philadelphia is tied for fifth in the Summer League standings and to make the playoffs, a team needs to be a top four seed, however things can change.

In a game that was filled with exciting plays from top to bottom, here are my three main takeaways from the 76ers’ second straight win:

76ers’ Ricky Council IV puts on another convincing performance

B2B DUNKS FOR RC4

pic.twitter.com/zEjRzAwtVe

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 20, 2024

In what could very well be Philadelphia’s last Summer League game, Ricky Council IV went out with a bang, contributing a game-high 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists, on 7-14 shooting from the field.

While Council’s athleticism and highlight reel dunks greatly impressed, it was what he did as a playmaker that stood out the most. The 76ers wing is known for his high motor and ability to get to the rim at will, but the aspect he was rather lacking in last season was passing.

Tonight, Council showcased his usual dominance off the dribble, but also used the defensive attention he warranted to create a weak-side corner three for two-way forward David Jones. Council ran the fast-break well, finding a cutting Justin Edwards and creating offense for himself.

The sophomore wing said that he was focusing on developing his playmaking this Summer and it’s shown in flashes throughout the Summer League. To make a consistent appearance in Nick Nurse’s rotation, Council will need to continue to find a balance as both a scorer and passer.

76ers’ Jeff Dowtin took over the fourth quarter

Jeff Dowtin in the Summer League

17 PTS / 5 AST / 4 REB / 6-16 FG
17 PTS / 3 AST / 1 STL / 9-9 FT
17 PTS / 8 AST / 4 REB / 5-11 FG
18 PTS / 8 AST / 5 REB / 7-13 FG
16 PTS / 6 AST / 4 REB / 8-13 FG
18 PTS / 6 AST / 5-8 FG / 3-4 3P
15 PTS / 4 AST / 3 REB / 6-11 FG

League him. pic.twitter.com/67aX4DlAbM

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 20, 2024

After a stellar start to the Summer League, guard Jeff Dowtin’s efficiency has tanked in the 76ers’ past two games, but Dowtin proved that it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. Dowtin ended tonight with 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds with all large chunk of those points coming from the final frame.

Throughout the first three quarters, Dowtin wasn’t much of a factor as Philadelphia road Ricky Council IV’s athleticism and the hot hand of Judah Mintz. However, when the team found themselves in a stretch that could’ve swayed the game either way, Dowtin answered the call.

The 27-year-old guard put the youthful squad on his back and picked a part the San Antonio Spurs’ defense with his ability to score off the pick-and-roll. Dowtin punished the big in drop coverage with quick pull-up jumpers from the nail and that proved to be too much for the Spurs.

Dowtin arguably had the best Summer League campaign for the 76ers and he has shown that he belongs on an NBA roster.

Judah Mintz makes strong case for a two-way contract with 76ers

Judah Mintz today in the win against the Spurs.

14 Points
5 Rebounds
3 Assists
1 Steal
71% TS
19 Minutes

Judah continued his great summer league with another big game. pic.twitter.com/BPPJKWkFdE

— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) July 20, 2024

Following a relatively quiet performance in Salt Lake City, undrafted free agent guard Judah Mintz has caught fire in Las Vegas and his 10-point first quarter set Philadelphia up for success. The Syracuse product finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, on 3-5 field shooting.

Mintz’ early eruption stemmed from his ability to score within the arc, whether he pulled it from mid-range and made a defender bit, or sharply attacked the rim off the screen/dribble. The guard made a habit of drawing contact, shooting 8-11 from the foul line and has served as an excellent scoring punch for the 76ers’ reserve unit.

Philadelphia has just one two-way slot remaining after filling their first two with UDFA’s Justin Edwards and David Jones. Mintz has made a convincing case for Daryl Morey and co. to use their final two-way slot on the DMV native.

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