While ESPN showed poorly rendered graphics of LeBron James wearing different uniforms and Jim Gray lobbed him softball questions in what Bruce Arthur called “a seismic dumbshow,” the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bocbats put the finishing touches on a fun Orlando Pro Summer League game, as Charlotte’s Gerald Henderson tipped in a missed shot by Derrick Brown to preserve victory for the Bobcats by a 77-76 final. Philadelphia took a lead of Ndudi Ebi’s three-pointer from the right corner sixteen seconds before, but was alas unable to complete the comeback.
Henderson’s Tip-In Saves Bobcats, Sinks Shorthanded 76ers
Philadelphia faced a talent deficit without veterans Jrue Holiday and Marreese Speights, who sat out for precautionary reasons. It got another strong game from shooter extraordinaire Jodie Meeks, who led all players with 17 points, and another dud from second overall draft choice Evan Turner. The Ohio State product and triple-double threat had an opportunity to excel as a playmaker with Holiday out of the lineup, but instead fizzled. He shot one-of-six from the floor, had three of his shots blocked, and managed just one assist to three turnovers.
Brown led the Bobcats with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots. He shot six-of-nine from the floor and showed that he has legitimate post-up skills, although questions about his ability to use them against NBA competition linger.
Henderson’s tip-in makes him the hero, but he easily could have been the goat. He attempted 14 shots, more than any other player in this game, and missed 10 of them.
Philadelphia’s Trent Plaisted scored 14, while Ebi added 14 off the bench in his first action of the week.
This win is Charlotte’s second at the buzzer this week. Jeremy Pargo’s layup beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
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