The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off their Summer League season with a last second loss to their draft pick trade partner, the Boston Celtics.
Tonight marked Markelle Fultz‘s first NBA action. The number one pick in this years draft faced off against the number three pick, Jayson Tatum in what ended up with both players trying to win the game.
The Celtics edged the 76ers 89-88 with a Jayson Tatum jumper with 5 seconds left in the game. Markelle Fultz tried to answer but was rejected at the rim as he was trying to lay in the game winner.
All eyes were on Markelle Fultz and he did not disappoint. Fultz ended the game leading the Philadelphia 76ers in points and compiled an impressive stat line. In 22 minutes Fultz finished with 17 points on 6-16 shooting, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks.
The Philadelphia 76ers had a first hand look at the 3rd overall pick this year and last. Jalon Brown and Jayson Tatum were impressive finishing with 29 and 21 points respectively.
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One of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2nd round picks, Jonah Bolden looked like a defensive stopper tonight in his first NBA action, Bolden looked active on the defensive end finishing with 4 blocks and 4 rebounds along with 9 points.
Something to watch moving forward will be Fultz finishing at the rim, down the stretch Fultz had 3 opportunities for an and-1 opportunity and couldn’t muscle in the shot for the opportunity at the 3 point play.
Regardless of the score and stat line what was most important is that Fultz and the Sixers looked competitive versus a Celtics squad with 4 NBA players on it. Just like pre-season basketball, the most important aspect of summer league is to watch your young players play and stay healthy.
Fultz will be watched with a microscope this Summer League and if he can continue to play like this and stay healthy then 76ers fans will be patiently waiting to see the FEDS come October.