It’s arguably the most Philadelphia 76ers story ever.
Sixers prospect Russ Smith, currently playing for the Delaware 87ers, broke the NBA D-League scoring record with 65 points against the Canton Charge on Wednesday, yet his team lost by 11 points. Smith managed just four assists in the loss (despite averaging eight per game) while adding three turnovers and a minus-eight plus/minus rating.
Smith has been no stranger to prolific scoring efforts this season in Delaware, averaging 26.1 points per game in 22 contests. He’s scored 30 or more points nine times, including a 50-point outburst earlier this month.
“I tried to get in the lane,” Smith said after the game, via the Louisville Courier-Journal. “The last game (against Canton), I think I had about 18 assists, and I didn’t play the whole third quarter because of foul trouble, so the lane was going to be open. I read the scouting report. The big guys were so worried about the lob that I just floated in, and I kept getting layups.
“I just sort of did my homework, and I really circled this game on the calendar because Canton’s a good team. They have some good players. They play tough. It was just a good one.”
Smith will be in Portland facing the Celtics-affiliated Maine Red Claws next week.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
