Home NBA Jalen McDaniels heaps praise from Doc Rivers after reliable play vs. Pacers

Jalen McDaniels heaps praise from Doc Rivers after reliable play vs. Pacers

Photo: Philadelphia 76ers/Twitter

The one-two-star punch combo of Joel Embiid and James Harden made their usual way for the Philadelphia 76ers this time on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. Embiid feasted with his 42 points and five boards, while Harden cast his playmaking mastery with 14 markers and 20 assists in a high-scoring 147-140 win.

But it was Jalen McDaniels who emerged supreme as the x-factor of the Sixers’ victory, and head coach Doc Rivers made sure to praise him right at the postgame presser.

“He’s just up for it,” Rivers said, via Ky Carlin of USA Today. “He really is. He’s a baller. He’s just up for the challenge, enjoys it, you can see the pressure is nothing. He just wants to play. He likes playing and he likes competition. That’s been really good for us.”

With Tobias Harris (bruised left calf) and P.J. Tucker (back spasms) out, the Sixers needed someone to rely on at their wing position, and McDaniels perfectly responded to this urgent call by Rivers.

McDaniels, who was acquired by Philly last 2022-23 trade deadline, was assigned to start and instantly contributed with his 20 points in an efficient 8-for-13 shooting. He also grabbed eight rebounds and made his presence felt on defensive switches.

Rivers also commended McDaniels’ ability to create opportunities for him as he continues to blend and be familiarized with the 76ers’ system.

“It’s funny, they recognize what he can do,” Rivers added. “James (Harden) hit him on a long court pass. James hit him on one of those undercuts. They’re starting to look for him because they know he can catch. They know he can finish so it’s been pretty good for him.”

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