On Sunday night, Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain had a career-high 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting as the Philly snapped a five-game losing streak and defeated the Hornets 107-105 in OT at Wells Fargo Center.
McCain was on fire in the second half, scoring 21 of his 27 points in the second half on 8-of-11 shooting (3-5 3FG).
The rookie guard was able to outduel LaMelo Ball, who had a game-high 38 points.
“I take it moment-by-moment,” McCain said. I’m not trying to look at the bigger picture, like, ‘Oh my god, I’m guarding LaMelo Ball; it’s overtime.’ I just try to take it moment-by-moment, be present, and then when you’re present, I feel like you react in the moment, and you feel everything that’s happening around you, and you react to it. It’s a great feeling to be present.”
76ers coach Nick Nurse was happy with McCain’s efforts and the rest of the 76ers’ bench.
“He can create, he can get by people, and he’s got an array of finishes, and he certainly plays with a lot of confidence, and he just kept it going tonight,” Nurse said. “It was a great lift. I thought three guys off of our bench were outstanding, giving us a lift. Him [McCain], Guerschon [Yabulsele] obviously, and Jeff [Downtin Jr.] played good too.”
McCain, who has scored in double figures four times in nine games this season, is excited to see his hard work pay off.
It’s always a sense of gratitude,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be able to play out there, be healthy, come out of the game safe and healthy, and be able to perform how I did just attributes to my work. I work hard every single day, not that I expect it, but it feels good for the work to be shown.”
Without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers needed someone to step up, and McCain gave the team an unexpected lift.
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