Jones responded with 21 rebounds. So McDuffie has not been surprised by Jones' solid performances as George Lynch's replacement in the 76ers lineup during the playoffs, which continue tonight with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final between the Sixers and Milwaukee Bucks. In the three games since Lynch broke a bone in his left foot in Game 4 at Toronto last week, Jones has averaged 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 26.7 minutes per game as a starter. McDuffie watched the game, proud of the player who broke two rims dunking in high school and who cried after his final prep game. I just can't believe he missed all those outside shots.
Coaches never quit coaching.
Jones credits McDuffie for much of the success he has had, as a collegian for two years at Georgia and during his two seasons with the Sixers, who acquired Jones after Atlanta drafted him with the 27th pick in 1999. When Jones was a freshman at Mitchell-Baker, McDuffie encouraged him to stay after practice to work on his jump shot. Jones was a post player, but McDuffie believed that he had the potential to play professionally, and if Jones made it, he would need to have a solid jumper and to be able to handle the ball on the perimeter. McDuffie was right. So Jones stayed late.