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"Mom, I don't know what to do. My life is over. This is only thing I know."
Those were Tim Frazier's words immediately after he ruptured his Achilles two and a half years ago playing for Penn State against Akron in Puerto Rico. Last night, Frazier joined some elite company in his league debut with the Sixers, barely a day after getting called up by Philadelphia from the NBDL's Maine Red Claws. Penn State's eleventh-ever NBA player and all-time leader in assists racked up eleven of them in a 107-96 loss to the Boston Celtics, while committing just two turnovers in 34 minutes of action.
Frazier, who saw extra minutes due to the absence of regular starter Michael Carter-Williams, struggled to create much offense for himself throughout the game. His jumper was constantly rimming out, and he went just 1-5 from the line. Here's some exhilarating video of the one make, also his first point in the NBA:
His first field goal came soon after, on a one-man fast break that should bring back memories for Penn Staters:
Another view, via @Sixers:
That bucket kickstarted his evening, as he and Hollis Thompson (16 points, 4-5 3pt shooting) helped bring Philly within three after being down 20+ points in the first half, though they never did get any closer. Frazier played the entire second half, finishing with 5 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds. Those dimes put him in some elite company:
.@psufraz23 is one of just seven to drop 11 dimes in an @NBA debut. He's joined by some familiar names. pic.twitter.com/Plws3IjY9y
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) February 7, 2015
Sixers coach Brett Brown wasn't particularly pleased with his team in defeat, but nonetheless he had this to say about his debutante point guard:
"The rug is pulled from underneath us [when Carter-Williams can't play]," said Brown. "But for Tim to drive [down] I-95 from Maine and play 35 minutes in an NBA game, it's a great story."
The Sixers will be back in action tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, at home against the Charlotte Hornets. The game will once again air on Comcast Sports Net, and with Frazier on a 10-day contract there's a possibility we may only get to see him in two more times. If Friday's performance was any indication, however, he'll be good for at least one more three-game stint.
Update: Watch all 11 of Frazier's assists here (via NBA.com)