Philadelphia 76ers triumph over Boston Celtics 103-98 in Summer League finale

The 76ers beat the Boston Celtics in their Summer League finale 103-98, despite Ricky Council IV and Jeff Dowtin being inactive and Jared McCain and Adem Bona resting the entirety of the second half.

76ers’ Jared McCain thrives off the ball

Can't believe this is my lifepic.twitter.com/igTAkk1HNS

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 21, 2024

Jared McCain didn’t match his Summer League high in points but definitely had one of his strongest outings in Las Vegas, flashing his NBA potential by scoring 15 points to go along with 4 assists on 5-12 shooting from the field and 3-7 from beyond the arc.

Throughout the Summer League, McCain wasn’t utilized off-ball nearly enough, but in the finale against the Celtics, that was far from the case. The 76ers ran a lot of pin-down screens for McCain that allowed him to both get to the rim off the catch and drill spot-up threes, which was much closer to what he’ll likely do with the 76ers next season.

Along with finding his off-ball rhythm, McCain showed promise of being a capable playmaker in pick-and-roll situations. The Duke product was blitzed a few times off rookie Adem Bona’s screen and he set the UCLA big up nicely at the rim using his gravity.

It’s not secret that McCain didn’t have the most convincing Summer League showing, but McCain ending his stint in Las Vegas on such a high note is a convincing sign that he’ll get a look for increased playing time this season.

76ers’ two-way players show promise

David Jones EMPHATIC poster slam 😤

📺 PHI-BOS late 4Q on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/LgyGuBDqcK

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2024

With most of the touches going to the likes of Ricky Council IV, Jared McCain, and Jeff Dowtin, it was hard for the latest two-way additions, Justin Edwards and David Jones, to get into a groove but somewhat surprisingly, both of them found themselves in their final Summer League game.

David Jones led all scorers with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 assists, on 9-15 field shooting. Jones has found his niche as an aggressive slasher and spot-up perimeter shooter with a high motor on the defensive end, similar to how Ricky Council IV was in his rookie season.

Justin Edwards’ three-point shot hasn’t been prevalent in Las Vegas, but he’s shown flashes as a two-way wing with solid perimeter defense and a knack to get to the rim off the bounce. Edwards finished the day with 13 points and 4 rebounds, on 6-12 shooting from the field.

Other 76ers observations

If Judah Mintz hitting a game winner against Boston and breaking out the too small celebration can't get him a shot with the Sixers, then I don't know what will pic.twitter.com/n0h7NXb3Ao

— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) July 21, 2024

Judah Mintz continued to ball out in Philadelphia’s final few games in Vegas with 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals, on 4-9 field shooting and 10-12 shooting from the foul line. Mintz once again impressed with his quick screen navigation and isolation defense as well as his ability to get to the rim at will off the bounce.

Adem Bona only played two quarters, but made his presence known, recording 2 steals and 1 block along with 2 points and 2 rebounds. His offensive numbers weren’t eye-catching, but his rim protection was on an impressive display, whether it was off help rotations or contesting shots in isolation.

Keve Aluma might’ve played his last game with the 76ers, finishing with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block, on 3-4 shooting from the field. Aluma has served as a versatile scorer, solid interior defender, and a consistent stretch four. At 25 years old, it’s unlikely that Philadelphia would offer him their final two-way slot, but he’s shown that he can hang at the NBA level.

Join The Chase

Mandatory Credit: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)