When the undermanned Brooklyn Nets needed someone to step up against the LA Lakers – albeit, arguably even more undermanned – Patty Mills answered that call.
Mills went off for 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field with four triples in 26 minutes off the bench to help lead the Nets past the Lakers at home in a comfortable 116-102 victory on Tuesday (all times AEDT).
The Aussie veteran’s performance comes in the face of trade rumours ahead of next week’s deadline, with The Ringer’s Kevin O’Conor revealing Brooklyn is “actively looking for upgrades” and noting Mills, Joe Harris and Seth Curry could all get moved.
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Markelle Fultz had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists while Wendell Carter Jr. also cracked double figures with 12 points.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers scoring with 30 points while James Harden and Tobias Harris had 17 points apiece.
“I’m so proud of these young men,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said of his team afterwards.
“The way that first half started – we were hanging our heads a little bit. But we pulled ourselves together at half-time and talked about our belief system and what we’re capable of doing, and we showed up.
“It shows growth and that they’re learning from their experiences – they find a way to bounce back, find a way to believe in each other.” Banchero said Mosley had rallied the locker room at half-time.
“He fired us up,” Banchero said. “Just told us we need to play better, play harder, that we’re a very good team we need to act like it.”
Sixers coach Doc Rivers had few complaints after his side’s defeat, describing Orlando as worthy winners.
“I thought from near the end of the first quarter, they played harder, faster, tougher, more physical,” Rivers said. “I think they deserved to win.” Orlando remain languishing near the foot of the Eastern Conference, with 20 wins against 31 defeats.
ALL RESULTS
MAGIC 119 76ERS 109
LAKERS 104 NETS 121
KINGS 118 TIMBERWOLVES 111
WARRIORS 128 THUNDER 120
WIZARDS 127 SPURS 106
PISTONS 105 MAVERICKS 111
RAPTORS 106 SUNS 114
HAWKS – TRAIL BLAZERS
