The Philadelphia 76ers were without a plethora of key players on Sunday afternoon against the Los Angeles Clippers, but a former G Leaguer in Shake Milton nearly helped Brett Brown and the Sixers steal the game.
Milton exploded with 26 first-half points on his way to 39 markers in the game, giving the Sixers a much-needed lift on a day in which they did not have Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and also lost Josh Richardson due to injury.
Interestingly enough, Brown had told Milton he would not be a consistent member of the rotation after the All-Star break. However, due in part to the extent of injuries to Philly's roster, the Sixers coach's hand was forced.
Brown praised Milton after the game on Sunday. He said Milton was “clearly” ready for the opportunity while calling the 23-year-old guard's performance a “hell of a story.”
Sixers coach Brett Brown said he discussed roles w/ every player after All-Star break & told Shake Milton “you’re not playing, you’re not in the rotation.” After Milton’s 39 points vs. Clippers, Brown said: “It’s a hell of a story.” pic.twitter.com/X6hGjNccee
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) March 1, 2020
Milton could not be stopped in the early parts of the contest. He repeatedly rose up for perimeter jumpers and showed no hesitancy in taking on a scoring role. Milton finished the first half 10-of-11 from the field, joining Ben Simmons as one of two Sixers in the last 20 years to score at least 25 points with 90 percent shooting in a single half.
Perhaps more consequently for Milton, Richardson's injury could all but assure his spot in the rotation.
Richardson suffered a concussion on Sunday, and he will enter the league's concussion protocol for further evaluation. Given Simmons will also be out for multiple weeks, Shake Milton figures to see extended run for Brett Brown and the Sixers at the point guard spot.
The story continues.
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