76ers Rookie Nearly Matches Tyrese Maxey Feat With Outing vs Hornets

Jared McCain notched the most points scored by a rookie since the 76ers star guard.

Nov 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) shoots a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Early on in their matchup with the Charlotte Hornets Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers looked to be cruising to a victory. Following a second-half surge from LaMelo Ball and company, an overtime period would be needed to decide a winner. The Sixers managed to take care of business, in large part due to the stellar play from one of their rookies.

With the Sixers battling the injury bug right now, Jared McCain is among those who has seen a sizable increase in playing time. He's been on the floor even more as of late following the injury news of Tyrese Maxey. The young guard continues to impress, stockpiling one noteworthy performance after another.

Sunday's matchup was by far McCain's best of his young career. He logged 31 minutes in the overtime thriller and finished with a team-high 27 points on 55.6% shooting from the field.

27 PTS | 3 REB | 10-18 FG @J_mccain_24 was cooking!🧑‍🍳@PALottery pic.twitter.com/c780rk18iB

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 11, 2024

With this performance, McCain came very close to matching a mark previously set by Maxey. His 27 points are the most by a Sixers rookie since the All-Star guard had a 30-point outing back in 2021.

.@J_mccain_24's 27 points in last night's win over Charlotte are the most in a game by a @sixers rookie since @TyreseMaxey had 30 on May 16, 2021 against Orlando.

He scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half, shooting 8-11 from the field and 3-5 from three.

h/t @Stathead https://t.co/01iEIPkwi8

— Sixers Stats (@SixersStats) November 11, 2024

Heading into the season, it didn't look like there was a clear path to playing time for McCain. The Sixers brought in an array of veterans as they attempt to contend, leaving minimal opportunity for the 2024 first-round pick. However, McCain has certainly made the most of the time on the floor that Nick Nurse has given him.

Between his energy and productive two-way play, McCain continues to build a strong case to see regular rotation minutes on the Sixers.