2 Studs (& 1 Dud) From 76ers-Celtics Shootout

Stud: Patrick Beverly stepped up big in loss to Celtics

Patrick Beverly played 38 minutes Friday night in Boston against the Celtics, absolutely cruising past his average amount and previous season high. He started at point guard to help fill the voide created by Maxey's illness, putting up a 26 point (game high), 8 rebound and 7 assist stat line.

Some tough fouls late in the game helped the Celtics pull away, but the Sixers would not have been anywhere close to competing without the contributions from Pat Bev. It won't show as a big number on the stat line, but he had two big steals in the game that led to points on the other end.

Beverly's ability to come off the bench has been a great advantage for the Sixers. This is not far off from what the Chicago Bulls experience last season.

This is what he came to Philly to contribute: a veteran leadership and a key role off the bench and/or substitute starter.

Bev played just about double the minutes starting at point guard Friday than he normally does coming off the bench. Fortunately, he was able to produce just about double as much, too, keeping the Sixers in the game until the end.