Doc Rivers Thrilled With Jalen McDaniels' Second Sixers Game

For the second time since the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jalen McDaniels from the Charlotte Hornets, the fourth-year wing played for his new team. After suiting up and collecting a DNP status last Friday against the New York Knicks, McDaniels finally made his Sixers debut the following night on the road against the Brooklyn Nets.

McDaniels collected a little over 15 minutes of action. He put up four shots from the field, scoring five points on 50 percent shooting. It was a promising debut for Philadelphia that added excitement for his follow-up performance on Monday night against the Houston Rockets.

As expected, McDaniels collected more playing time in his second game with the Sixers. Coming off the bench, McDaniels collected 28 minutes of action. He acquired some first-quarter minutes, checking in for five minutes alongside Tyrese Maxey.

McDaniels wrapped up the first half with a little under ten minutes on the floor. Then in the second half, the young veteran played for 18 minutes as the Sixers cruised past the rebuilding Houston Rockets with a comfortable victory.

After the game, Doc Rivers dished his thoughts on the newest Sixers’ second performance with the team.

“He’s good. He's just, he can play,” said Rivers. “I can see that he can shoot the ball from the corners. He runs the floor. He defends everybody. There are times I thought he was going to try to defend everybody on the floor. He just knows how to play. You know, he brought the ball up the one time he went coast to coast, drove the other time, and found Georges. He knows how to play basketball. He’s got a great feel and loves playing. We’re really happy with that.”

McDaniels flashed a little bit of everything on Monday night. Defensively, he was active, getting out to the ball and making his opponents take tough contested shots. While he didn’t collect any steals, McDaniels snagged five rebounds.

Then on offense, he did a little bit of everything. McDaniels produced three assists in the playmaking department. In the scoring department, he drained three of his four shots from the field, making the only three that he took of the night. Also, he was 1-1 from the charity stripe.

Overall, McDaniels finished his second game with the Sixers with eight points. He was a plus-nine for the night as the Sixers defeated the Rockets 123-104. His two-game sample size is small, but if McDaniels is consistent, he’ll be a great boost for the Sixers off the bench.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.