WATCH: Sixers’ K.J. McDaniels Throws Down Off-the-Backboard Dunk
The Sixers kept it close last night, but ultimately fell, 89-84, to the Golden State Warriors. This is no shame. The Warriors are the best team in the NBA, 41-9 after last night’s win, and averaging almost 101 points a game.
But the highlight of the game came in the first quarter, when Sixers rookie K.J. McDaniels tossed a pass off the backboard to himself and threw down a one-handed jab. This is quite possibly the dunk of the year.
Keep in mind this wasn’t just a flashy play. McDaniels took a dribble after getting a pass from Nerlens Noel, and his best option with Draymond Green guarding him and Andre Iguodala in position to double was to flip it off the backboard. Playground ball is even better when it has a purpose.
It’s actually been a decent stretch for the Sixers recently. They’ve gone 4-4 in their last eight, with losses to Atlanta, Cleveland, Boston and Golden State. Three of those teams are among the best in the league — also, the Celtics play basketball — and all but last night’s contest came on the road. The 76ers lost by just single digits to the Warriors and Hawks, the best team in each conference. (The 2014-15 Sixers: We’ll take what we can get.)
Sixers season ticket member asked Brett Brown how his team can slow down Golden State tonight… "Baseball bats."
— Molly Sullivan (@MollyESullivan) February 9, 2015
The Sixers don’t play again until Friday, February 20th. The NBA All-Star Game is this weekend; Nerlens Noel and, if he’s healthy, Michael Carter-Williams are scheduled to play in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night.
Follow @dhm on Twitter.
