LAS VEGAS — The Sixers needed to get their first win to stay alive in summer league competition, and had to do it without top pick Ben Simmons.
On Wednesday, both Simmons and Christian Wood sat out for rest. In spite of their absences, the Sixers recorded a 108-71 blowout victory over the NBA D-League Select team. They received a balanced effort from roster players and summer league invites (see below).
The 22nd-seeded Sixers (1-3) were the underdogs to the 11th-ranked D-League Select team (2-2). They will advance to the next round against the No. 6 Nets on Thursday.
Inside the box score
Shawn Long came off the bench to lead all players with 21 points and five rebounds on an efficient 8 for 9 shooting. Brandon Paul was right behind him with 20 points (including 4 for 6 shooting from three) and six assists. Twenty-fourth overall pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 15 points. James Webb III posted 14 points and six rebounds. T.J. McConnell neared a double-double with eight points and nine assists.
For the D-League Select, Brandon Fields scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. Jabril Trawick posted 12 points and seven rebounds.
Turning point
The Sixers got out to a hot start in this game. They went on a 14-2 run during the middle of the first quarter to jump out to a 16-point lead. The D-League Select did not reach double digits in scoring until 2:07 remaining in the quarter.
NBA
Sixers in the building
Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor and Jerami Grant watched their teammates. Simmons and Wood sat with head coach Brett Brown for parts of the game.
Wood to Hornets
Wood, an unrestricted free agent who played well for the Sixers' summer league squads, agreed to a two-year deal with the Hornets on Wednesday night, according to a report (see story).
Up next
The Sixers will play the Nets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. If the Sixers win, they will play again on Saturday at 10 p.m. If they lose to the Nets, they will play Friday at 8:30 p.m.