The Philadelphia 76ers needed other players to rally for them with their two All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons sidelined with injury concerns. Shake Milton did just that as second-year guard slipped into the starting lineup in the absence of Simmons and provided the 76ers with much-needed game creation and perimeter production.
Milton, in fact, has been so solid for a long time for Philadelphia that he actually ties NBA record with 13 consecutive pointers, a streak that spanned three games – Wednesday against the Cavaliers, Thursday against the Knicks and Sunday against the Clippers. With his prolific production, Milton tied Brent Price and Terry Mills in the record book. These two players accomplished the feat in 1996.
Milton not only tied a long-standing NBA record against the Clippers on Sunday afternoon, but also set a new career record with 39 points and helped keep the Sixers shorthanded in the game against a very good team of Clippers. In the first half in particular, Milton was absolutely on fire, as he collected 26 points out of 10 shots on 11 from the ground in the first two quarters. You can see some highlights from his hot half below, via the NBA:
Milton then finished the game with 39 points on 14 shots on 20 as well as five assists and three rebounds. His effort was almost enough to propel Philadelphia to a rare road victory, but the Sixers ultimately lost to the Clippers, 136-130. For Philly, however, the result of the contest may be secondary to the fact that he discovered a young dynamic guard – something he desperately needs to complement Embiid and Simmons – in his own rotation.
Philidelphia acquired Milton in the 2018 NBA Draft, and spent most of his time in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats last season. The 76ers signed him for a multi-year contract last season, and he played for them for a few minutes throughout the season. The team’s recent injury issues have, however, provided an increased opportunity on the field for Milton, and he certainly responded. If Milton can continue to provide the hit creation he has recently when the Sixers have their full lineup, it will be a big boon for their post-season push.
