LAS VEGAS, Sporting Alert – New York stayed undefeated in the NBA Summer League, while handing Philadelphia a third successive defeat on Tuesday at Thomas And Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV.
In a showdown between two of the NBA’s top draft picks, and the battle between the top centers, Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia came out on top after he and the Knicks got the better of Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers, 84-81, in an exciting contest that was decided in overtime.
Maurice Ndour paced the New York Knicks (3-0) with 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting and grabbed six rebounds in 28 minutes.
The rookie was well supported by Cleanthony Early, who had 13 points, three assists and two steals, with Jerian Grant finishing with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists in the victory.
Porzingis, who was selected fourth overall in the draft, ended with nine points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks, including one on Okafor during overtime.
Scottie Wilbekin led the Sixers (0-3) with a contest-high 26 points on 7-of-12 shooting, include going 6-for-8 from 3-point range.
He also went 6-of-6 from the free throw line, include knocking down three with 1.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the game after he was fouled by Porzingis while attempting a three-pointer.
Wilbekin’s free throws tied the game at 79-79 and forced overtime.
New York then outscored Philadelphia 5-2 in overtime to secure the win and start with a 3-0 record.
Okafor finished with 18 points and six rebounds in the defeat, while Charles Jackson had nine points, five assists and two steals for the 76ers, who shot 43-percent from the floor overall and 43-percent from three-point range.
Langston Galloway had eight points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals in the win for the Knicks, who return to action on Thursday.
The Sixers will be in action again in the Summer League on Wednesday.
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