Nerlens Noel had the greatest game of his young career as the Sixers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night in south Philadelphia. Noel led the Sixers to a 96-81 victory over the Pelicans by accumulating 17 points, along with reeling in 11 rebounds, while also blocking 5 shots. He was also 7/10 from the floor and even helped out by snatching 2 steals on the night. New Orleans did play without their two best players, Anthony Davis and former Sixer Jrue Holiday, but that didn’t take away from the magnitude of this game for Nerlens. He’s had countless numbers of people saying there is no way he pans out in the NBA but he is a man on a mission to prove people wrong and he took his aggression out on the Pelicans last night.
Michael Carter-Williams scored 22 points and 18 points from Robert Covington, as he pitched in another quality game. This game was over from the start as the Sixers off to a lightning fast start, making 10 of their first 14 shots and actually never trailed once in the game. They put the game out of reach early by stretching their first quarter lead out to 16 points. They never looked back from there.
The Sixers are actually hot right now. I definitely didn’t think I would be typing those words at this point of the season. They are 6-8 in their last 14 games and somehow are technically still alive in the playoff race. Sam Hinkie may have a plan to tank, but this team is doing something else. We are seeing the beginning of something really special here and Hinkie should really think about not exploring possibilities to trade Carter-Williams because he is coming along just fine. The relationship he has with Nerlens, put together with quality players who can step in and produce at any time, as well as a coach with a never give up mentality, is the definition of success. This team is going to be something special. It’s not coming this year and probably not next year but the future has promise.
The biggest advantage last night for the Sixers was the fact that they held onto the ball. They only turned it over 8 times, while on the other hand they forced 18 turnovers. The played tremendous defense and took great care of the ball offensively. That’s a recipe for success in this league. New Orleans was held to just 38 percent shooting and only 23 percent from beyond the arc. It was a rough offensive night for them but it was also a great night for the Sixers defense.
Brett Brown was extremely pleased with his team after the winning effort and rightfully so. The victory can’t be celebrated though because the team hits the floor again tonight in Detroit. The Pistons have been struggling all season long and this is a very winnable game for the Sixers. Hopefully they can pull out another win to begin another winning streak!
