Sixers vs Pacers Summer League Recap: Khalif Wyatt scores 25

After losing their first Summer League game to the Rockets on Sunday morning, the Sixers lost AGAIN today to the Indiana Pacers SL squad, 96-75. What can I say? They're already embracing the tank. The "good" news is the Sixers picked up a point by outscoring the Pacers in the second quarter. That gives Philly 3 total points now in the standings through the 2 games so far.

Khalif Wyatt rebounded from an unimpressive performance against the Rockets. He led the Sixers in scoring with 25 points (11-18) and also chipped in 3 steals. Wyatt did a nice job of attacking the lane and showing off his floaters that the Pacers big men couldn't block. He also showed some range, drilling two open shots from behind the arc. I noticed Wyatt sometimes shoots without his feet set and that's certainly not a recipe for success. Something that needs work. Wyatt also struggled with turnovers: he had 5 to only 1 assist.

Meanwhile, in Michael Carter-Williams news, he wasn't so great today when it came to scoring the basketball. MCW finished with a mere 13 points on 4-20 (20% [!]) shooting. Yuck. He only got to the line 4 times today despite attacking the basket hard. He still showed the ability to get to the rim but had some problems finishing as he was blocked 4 times. He FINALLY made a 3, which makes him 1-9 from beyond the arc so far this summer league. Progress!

On the plus side, MCW did a much better job of taking care of the ball. (I'm sure not facing Patrick Beverly helps.) His 7 assists to 0 turnovers in near 30 minutes of playing time was great to see. MCW threw some nice lobs to his big men at times but they couldn't finish. I'm sure he won't have that problem as much when he's playing with teammate Nerlens Noel.

Other notes:

• The Pacers shot a pretty ridiculous 15-23 (65.2) from three. At one point it was 13-14 (93%). Some of that can be attributed to poor defense and lack of closeouts by the Sixers.
  
• ARSALAN KAZEMI! It's hard not to love the energy and hustle this guy brings to the court. Instant fan favorite. At one point he had a monster block that he swatted into the next area code. Finished with 6 points, 4 steals, 3 rebs, and infinity awesomeness.
  
• Arnett Moultrie didn't look so hot in his first game but looked a little better today. I'm still frustrated that he settles for jumpers at times (GTFO LONG 2s) but he finished with 17 pts and 9 rebs. I'm more than willing to give him more time but I'm just not very encouraged from what I've seen.
• No one else did too much. Trevor Mbakwe had a couple of hustle plays. Micheal Eric started but didn't impress. James Southerland hit a nice 3.
• DNP: DJ Cooper, Travis Leslie, and Zeke Marshall. Leslie must be recovering from a groin injury still. Zeke didn't play in game 1 either, so I'm not sure what's going on there.

2 SL games down, 3 more to go.

For an Indy perspective, check out our friends at Indy Cornrows.

Next up: The Sixers are off tomorrow and back at it again when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday 7/10/13 at 1:00 PM EST.