Michael Carter Williams Sets Rookie Steals Record In NBA Opener

In his NBA debut, Michael Carter Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers set the steals record for a debut game and tied the franchise single game record with 9 steals. Michael Carter Williams, nicknamed MCW, had been receiving a lot of flack in the NBA Summer Leagues and preseason for not living up to his potential. There was no question about his ability Wednesday night. With his 76ers taking on the defending champion Miami Heat, who destroyed the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night in their opener, Carter-Williams led the way to a 114-110 upset. MCW’s final stat line was 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals.

It was a big night for the 76ers as they were also retiring Allen Iverson’s number, the only other 76er to have 9 steals in a game. Iverson did it twice. Many think this season will be a lost cause for the 76ers and consider them the frontrunners for the “riggin for Wiggins” sweepstakes. But on this night they were able to hang with the best in Lebron James and the Miami Heat.

Michael Carter-Williams was known for wreaking havoc on the defensive end while playing point guard at Syracuse University. He did not disappoint in his NBA debut. Four of his nine steals came in the first quarter as well as completely disrupting the Heat offense. But he was more than a defensive genius. He also led the offense to shoot an efficient 54 percent from the field.

It wasn’t just Carter-Williams that shocked everyone Wednesday night. The 76ers were 11.5 point underdogs at home against the Heat. This was probably the game least likely to have been watched on a night full of NBA action. But on Halloween, all NBA fans are going to be talking about Michael Carter-Williams and the Philadelphia 76ers. It looks like MCW is jumping out to an early lead in rookie of the year performances. Who do you think will end up as the NBA rookie of the year?