The 2013 NBA Draft was widely criticized for not having any franchise-changing players — and that may very well still turn out to be the case — but don’t tell that to 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams. The rookie went up against the most daunting of foes in his NBA debut, the Miami Heat. Even though Miami expended a lot of energy laying waste to the Bulls the night before, it was still completely out of their nature to give up the following stat line: 22 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 9 steals. What’s even more impressive about MCW’s performance is that he committed just one turnover in 36 minutes.
In addition, MCW’s Sixers pulled off a surprising 114-110 win over the defending champions, who played without Dwyane Wade (let’s just say it’s not a good sign when Rashard Lewis is getting first quarter minutes). The Sixers shot out to an early 19-0 lead, ending the first quarter up 33-14 before Miami rattled off 80 points across the next two quarters. But Philly recaptured their early game magic, outscoring the Heat 29-16 in the fourth quarter, and securing the very unexpected victory.
So much for that whole tanking thing, right?
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