Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Sixers fall in China
SHENZHEN, CHINA >> Fans in China got an ideal show: a down-to-the-wire game, and a chance to cheer one of their own.
Luka Doncic scored 15 points, JJ Barea added 14 and the Dallas Mavericks topped the Philadelphia 76ers 115-112 on Monday night to earn a split of the teams’ NBA China Games series.
But the biggest cheers of the night were saved for Dallas’ Ding Yanyuhang, who played the final 8:33 — a stint he won’t forget.
“We know how special this night is for Ding,” Barea said. “We love him as a teammate and we’ve been having some fun the last couple days. We’re proud of him and we’re excited for him.”
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle presented Ding with the game ball afterward. The Chinese rookie was held out of the first game in the twogame Philadelphia-Dallas series with knee soreness but gutted his way through it on Monday night.
“Ding did very well, considering that he’s only had one partial-contact practice, which was (Sunday),” Carlisle said. “He hasn’t practiced. So to go out there and be part of that group that finished the game successfully is a very good thing.”
Carlisle said Ding will sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, when the team returns to Dallas. He will need continued rehab on his knee, and when he’s cleared to play he will head to the G League.
Ding, who finished with one point, called the chance to play an NBA game in China “a precious gift.”
Jalen Brunson had 11 points for Dallas, plus got a steal in the final seconds to help preserve the win. Dennis Smith Jr. and Dwight Powell each scored 10 for the Mavericks.
Joel Embiid scored 29 points for Philadelphia, going 11 for 16 from 2-point range — though he did miss all six of his 3-point tries. Robert Covington scored 18 points for the 76ers, who got 10 points apiece from JJ Redick and Ben Simmons.
Monday was Philadelphia’s preseason finale, and Sixers coach Brett Brown raved about Embiid’s exhibition season.
“I believe when you watch what he’s doing, and he’s had a summer of health, and he’s had a preseason of health, that there are signs of dominance,” Brown said. “And where I get most excited is his leadership and his maturity have been excellent.”