Player grades: Paul Reed, role players lead Sixers over Nets in finale
NEW YORK–The Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to the Barclays Center on Easter Sunday looking to finish the season on the right note as they took on the Brooklyn Nets. What “right note” means is making sure they are all in one piece before they head into the playoffs.
Also, when considering they will face this same Nets team in Game 1 of Round 1, neither team played any of their main rotation pieces. In another game that featured all of the role players, Paul Reed and the Sixers came out on top 134-105 to head into the postseason on a high note. Reed had 17 points and 10 rebounds in some very productive minutes for Philadelphia.
Shake Milton had 20 points and eight assists and Mac McClung had 20 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Sixers and Louis King also had 20 points. Dewayne Dedmon added 14 and seven rebounds while Danuel House Jr. added nine points and Jalen McDaniels had eight points.
Here are the player grades following the win:
Shake Milton: B+
This was more of a game to get Milton ready for the postseason. His minutes were more about making sure he was ready for the postseason and getting action out there on the floor. He looked like he was moving at half-speed and he was just focused on making sure he was ready for the playoffs more than anything. Overall, though, he had some really good moments on the offensive end which sets everything up well for the postseason.
Jaden Springer: Incomplete
Oddly, Springer only played two minutes in the first half. There didn’t appear to be anything wrong with him, but maybe due to playing two nights in a row and because the Sixers know what they have in him, he didn’t get any burn after that.
For those wondering why Jaden Springer only played two minutes, I’m told the Sixers are managing his minutes since he played heavily over the last week.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 9, 2023
Danuel House Jr.: B-
There is a lot to like about House Jr.’s game as the playoffs roll around. His minutes were not consistent during the regular season, but he continues to be terrific out on the floor when he does play. His athleticism, decision-making, playmaking, and defensive acumen is something that the Sixers can utilize in the playoffs. He didn’t shoot the ball well in this one, but it was an overall nice day for him.
Jalen McDaniels: A
The lanky forward continued his strong ending to the season on the offensive end as he was able to get to the rim and show off his athleticism. This strong ending to the season has got to carry over for him when the playoffs get underway. He has to be able to provide this type of effort off the bench when the bright lights of the postseason shine.
Paul Reed: A
This game didn’t mean anything for either team, but Reed still brought a ton of energy and made sure that he was in a good groove heading into the postseason. He played with a ton of energy and he was aggressive on the glass. He was also active around the rim and made sure that he was effective on offense. He also knocked down a triple which had to feel good for him when considering the work he puts in on that shot.
Louis King: A+
Making his Sixers debut, King played well in his initial stint. The young guard on a two-way deal knocked down a triple early and he then got into the paint for a bucket. He has a lot of length and a lot of ability to have the potential to be a two-way player in this league. Overall, he shot the ball very well in this one and showed off an offensive ability that can be utilized in the NBA.
Mac McClung: A
He didn’t shoot the ball well early, but McClung showed off some nice moves in this one and he was then able to find a rhythm. He showed off his athleticism on a fast break slam, he finished a tough And-1, he was aggressive on the glass, and he made the right decisions for the most part. There was a lot to like about his game in this one despite it being a game that didn’t matter much.
Furkan Korkmaz: B-
The veteran out of Turkey hopped off the bench and pumped in two triples in his initial stint off the bench. He had trouble on the defensive end as he picked up two early fouls, but overall, it was a regular night for Korkmaz in terms of his production on offense and then the defensive struggles. He shot the ball well and he had some nice offensive moments to be helpful in this one.
Dewayne Dedmon: A
The run for Dedmon was productive. He was able to carve out space for rebounds on the glass, he was able to finish around the basket, he also knocked down a step-back jumper in the mid-range and a triple as well. Dedmon has playoff experience and he brings size to the bench unit so it will be interesting to see if he gets burn in the postseason.
Montrezl Harrell: C-
The offense wasn’t there for Harrell in this one. He showed off his passing ability which has been impressive all season and he did bring energy which is what his main role is. Coach Doc Rivers has shown no hesitation to switch up his backup center so it will be interesting to see what happens in the playoffs.
