Sixers get season-saving performance from rookie guard

McCain scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as the 76ers outscored the Nets, 34-21, in the quarter to complete a 113-98 win. The rookie also declared "I'm the Rookie of the Year" after nailing a dagger three with 1:44 to go that gave Philly a 12-point lead.

It was a bold proclamation, but one that the 20-year-old has been backing up. Friday was the seventh straight game where McCain scored 20-plus points. In the five games since coach Nick Nurse elevated McCain to the starting lineup, he's averaging 26.6 points and 5.2 assists while shooting 48% from three-point range on 10 attempts per game. His 26 three-pointers are the most in NBA history for a player's first five starts.

While the older Sixers have been a hue disappointment this season, Philadelphia has reason to be hopeful about its young backcourt. Tyrese Maxey, 24, scored 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting and snagged four steals. The duo was especially electric after halftime, when the guards combined for 37 of the 76ers' 60 second-half points.

The only thing that went against McCain was reporters bringing up his audacious ROTY claim in front of Maxey. McCain seemed a little embarrassed, blaming it on being "in a flow state," while Maxey sipped his drink, both of them seemingly anticipating when Maxey would make fun of him for it later.

But McCain will take the ribbing since it meant the 76ers finally got a win. Their current 3-12 record isn't great, but it looks far better than 2-13.