For most NBA rookies, scoring their first points in the league is a milestone achievement — one that's often celebrated. However, after Sixers guard Zhaire Smith knocked down his first bucket as a pro in Monday night's game against the Orlando Magic, his teammates gave him an important task.
Smith's shot came with 4:50 remaining in the game — a three-pointer that ended a stretch of just under 12 minutes without a field goal for the Sixers. At that time, Philly was trailing, 108-85. In the end, though, Orlando managed to carry the day, 119-98.
During his post-game media availability, Smith shared his teammates' reaction to his three-pointer:
“A lot of congratulations, and then they told me to go get the towels,” Smith told Rich Hoffmann of The Athletic.
Smith suffered a Jones fracture to his left foot back in August, so it was nice to see him on the floor.
Joel Embiid led the charge for the Sixers, who are currently holding the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. In 31 minutes of action, the Cameroonian big man racked up 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting and 10 rebounds, but it simply wasn't enough.
“I think the urgency has not been with us,” Sixers head coach Brett Brown told ESPN. “It happens. As I candidly said, we're trying to hold on to our third-place position, and land the plane and keep people healthy.”
With Monday's win, the Magic completed their first 5-0 homestand in franchise history and moved a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Sixers will be back in action on Thursday night, when they'll serve as hosts to the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off inside the Wells Fargo Center is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
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