The Furkan Korkmaz Game: Summer League 2018 edition

The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics tonight by a score of 95-89. The final score doesn’t seem terribly consequential, as the only thing that really matters is Furkan Korkmaz.

Korkmaz played like a man possessed tonight, finishing with 40 points, and becoming the first player to score 40 or more points in a Summer League game since 2009. He made eight of his fourteen attempted 3-pointers, the same amount as the entire Celtics’ roster. He also contributed six rebounds, two assists and one steal in almost 29 minutes of play. The Celtics attempted to foul in order to prevent his flaming hot shot from going in, sending him to the line for 15 free throws, 12 of which he made. The bench, crowd, and Sixers’ players in attendance (Markelle Fultz and Amir Johnson) were fully behind Korkmaz, audibly intaking their breath every time he launched the ball from beyond the arc. Many times, their support was rewarded with a ball swishing through the net.

Other Notes:

Isaiah Miles was the only other Sixer to score in double figures tonight with 11 points. He also notched eight rebounds on the night by being aggressive on the boards. He could be found under the basket on almost every shot, waiting to fight for any rebound that came his way.

Jonah Bolden, who did not play in this game per the NBA’s box score, did in fact score six points in 23 minutes of action. He also contributed six rebounds and one block (see below).

First round selection Zhaire Smith had a slow night offensively, only scoring 7 points and shooting 3/7 from the floor. However, he looked good on defense and showed his high basketball IQ with his movement and cutting ability on offense.

Landry Shamet left the game in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return. In his 12 minutes of play he scored six points on two made 3-pointers. Is it really a Sixers’ Summer League without an injury?

The Celtics were lead by Semi Ojeleye and Guerschon Yabusele who both scored 16 points. Their first round selection in this year’s draft, Robert Williams III, left the game with a knee contusion in the first half and did not return.