PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers handled the Detroit Pistons rather easily on Tuesday night at home, 120-102. Philadelphia received a big performance from Joel Embiid, but the Sixers grew a bit healthier as well.
De’Anthony Melton, who hadn’t played since Feb. 27 due to a back issue, returned and had five points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes off the bench.
“Honestly, it felt great,” Melton said of being back. “It felt great to just be out there with my teammates. Being in coverages, moving around. I feel like that’s the stuff I needed just to see where I’m at.”
Melton shot 2-for-9 overall and 1-for-5 from deep on Tuesday, but the fact he was able to be out there is a big help.
“He was great,” Embiid said. “He sucked today (he was joking), but it was great to have him, but he’s gonna be a big piece. As we’re getting healthy. Just what he adds. Shot-making ability, defense, a little bit of playmaking, too. Another guard. I think he’s gonna help us a lot.”
The veteran out of USC has been dealing with a back issue since New Year’s. He missed time with the lumbar spine issue and returned, only to have the issue worsen until it sidelined him starting Feb. 27.
Now, he’s looking to return and help the Sixers down the stretch and in the playoffs.
“Just taking it a little slower,” Melton said of his recent treatment. “Changing up my treatment and what I had to do and when I had to do it. All that type stuff just played a factor into it. Taking some medication that definitely helped my back. All that stuff just accumulated for me to play today.”
For coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers, the key is to continue to get Melton these minutes and build him up for the playoffs. With two games left, that is the focus for the 3-and-D guard.
“I think the main thing I thought he looked very good movement-wise,” said Nurse. “I think he was springy and quick and stuff like that. Obviously, he didn’t shoot the ball well, but he took all really good shots. You would expect- he hasn’t played in a long time. He came back for a couple of games and if you take those two out it’s been a really long time. So, I think just movement-wise. he looked good and that’s a main thing.”
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