On Saturday night, 76ers forward Trendon Watford got his first start of the season when the 76ers hosted the Toronto Raptors, and he messed around and got his first-career triple-double.
Watford had 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists as the 76ers, who wore their Allen Iverson era throwback jerseys, defeated Toronto 130-120.
The fourth-year veteran scored 11 of his 20 points in the first quarter, and he was able to stuff the stat sheet.
“He’s what you call a hooper,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “He knows how to play.”
Leading the 76ers with 31 points and seven assists, Tyrese Maxey expressed his high expectations for Watford. His words reflect the team’s unwavering support and belief in Watford’s potential.
“He was decent tonight,” Maxey said. “That’s what we expected him to do, honestly. That’s what I expect from him. Proud of him, gotta keep it going.”
Joel Embiid, who had 29 points in 26 minutes after missing Wednesday’s game against the Cavs, says Watford’s performance reminded him of Ben Simmons.
“Obviously, triple-double,” Embiid said. “Reminded me of Ben Simmons tonight, so that was good. We miss those triple-doubles, doing everything, so that was good.”
Watford said starting helped him get an early flow.
“I got the news I was starting,” Watford said. “I got in the flow early. I was able to make some plays. Just kept going.”
After four games, it appears the 76ers got a bargain when they signed the 25-year-old to a two-year, $5.3 million contract in the offseason.
It appears that when you play Watford for more minutes, you get more production.
When he plays 20 minutes or more, Watford is averaging 17.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per contest.
He has a lot of Boris Diaw in his game and has shown that he can do it all.
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