"Best" and "Worst" awards: Sixers vs. Celtics
BOSTON – My look at some of the best and worst performances from the Boston Celtics' 107-96 victory over the 76ers at TD Garden on Friday night:
Best performance: This was a tough one, because Avery Bradley, Marcus Thornton, Tyler Zeller, Brandon Bass and Jae Crowder all contributed in big ways in the Celtics' victory. Yet, I have to give this to Jared Sullinger. The Boston power forward scored a game-high 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting. Five on his points came on a decisive 12-2 run in the fourth quarter. He also had eight rebounds and seven assists, two steals and a blocked shot.
Worst performance: This has to go to JaKarr Sampson. The undrafted rookie out of St. John's started in place of Michael Carter-Williams at point guard for the Sixers. The 6-foot-9, 214-pound had made the transition from college power forward to NBA shooting guard smoothly. However, the Sixers needed to him to slide over the starting point guard spot against the Celtics. He was overwhelmed and had tough time getting the Sixers into their offense. He finished with five points to go with just one assist and one rebound in 12 minutes, 47 seconds of action. Ineffective, the Sixers only played him 3:04 after intermission.
Best defensive performance: Zeller gets this award. The Celtics reserve center had a season-high three blocked shots to go with 16 points, a game-high nine rebounds and a steal. Five of his rebounds came on the defensive end.
Best performance in a losing effort: Hollis Thompson wins this award. The Sixers reserve guard didn't lead the team in scoring. But he was deadly on three-pointers and didn't hurt his team in the turnover department. Thompson with 16 points while making 4 of 5 three-pointers. He also had a team-high eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and one turnover. His last statistic is perhaps the most impressive, considering the Sixers had 17 on this night.
Worst statistic: You have to give this to the Sixers shooting 48.4 percent from the foul line. They made 15 of 31 free throws.
Best statistic: This award goes to Boston's assists. The Celtics had 27 assists on 39 made baskets. Marcus Smart had eight.
Worst of the Worst: This award goes to the Sixers' start. They trailed 25-9 with 2 minutes, 27 seconds left in the first quarter thanks in large part to lack of quality point-guard play.
Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers
