PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the New York Knicks on Friday at home 119-108 behind big performances from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The big fella had 35 points and 11 rebounds while Maxey had 27 points off the bench and the Sixers were terrific defensively in the fourth quarter.
This game also marked the first time new addition Jalen McDaniels was with the team. Philadelphia acquired the rangy defender from the Charlotte Hornets in a four-team deal on Thursday that sent Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers.
After the win, coach Doc Rivers was happy that McDaniels was able to be there and see a win following those rebuilding years in Charlotte.
“Well, he saw a win and that’s good for him to see,” said Rivers. “I will say this, just watching the game, I even said it to our guys, I said ‘Boy, Jalen’s gonna be really good for this team’. There are so many areas during the game defensively and with his length that I thought he could’ve made a huge difference and he will.”
The Sixers will now hop on the train and head back to New York to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. When asked if McDaniels could make his debut that night, Rivers believes he can and he will.
“I don’t know,” he pondered. “Most likely, yes. He didn’t think he was gonna play. Literally, he was in street clothes and I told him when I walked in to talk to the team before the game. I told him, ‘Put your clothes on’. I didn’t wanna play him, but tomorrow, there’s a strong chance he plays.”
McDaniels isn’t sure if he will play on Saturday, but whatever happens, he’s ready for it if his name is called.
“I don’t know,” he said. “It’s up to coach. I’m ready, though. It just depends. I’ll be ready, though.”
McDaniels was also happy to see his new team pick up a win. Especially, after the Knicks took an early 13-point lead and it looked like they were going to bury the Sixers early.
“It’s just a great atmosphere,” he beamed. “Everybody’s out here competitive, wanting to win, just playing to win, honestly. That was the biggest thing I noticed. Everybody’s just playing to win. Playing with that energy, it can only bring the best out of you.”
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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire