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Point guards come up big for Sixers

ALBANY, N.Y. –  Point guards Isaiah Canaan and T.J. McConnell came up big in the 76ers' 97-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets  at Times Union Center.

McConnell , an undrafted rookie reserve, scored what turned out to be the game-winning basket  in the closing seconds Saturday.

Meanwhile, Canaan had nine points, eight assists and zero turnovers in 33 minutes of action. The third-year veteran was also the unquestioned leader on the court, making sure his teammates were always in the right spot.

But McConnell was the one getting the most of the praise following the game.

The former Arizona standout caught a pass from Canaan, took a step towards the basket and buried a 17-foot pull-up jumper to make it a 97-95 game.

McConnell made 3 of 5 shots en route to scoring seven points. He also six assists, four steals, four rebounds and one block in 19 minutes. If there was one negative it was his four turnovers.

"For me, it was just like any other game I've play in the NBA so far," McConnell said. "It was a dogfight. The last shot – Isaiah came off a screen and made a good read. I made sure to take that one dribble so I could get him an assist and knock it down.

"I've got to credit my teammates and coach for drawing up a great play."

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.