Nerlens Noel ‘got the Chills Real Quick' From Standing Ovation

“Trust the process” isn’t the only chant heard around Wells Fargo Center.

On Tuesday, the crowd called out “We want Nerlens” in favor of the center making an appearance. When he checked into the game, the fans amped up their reaction to a standing ovation (see video)

Noel, as he put it, “got the chills real quick.”

“I just really want to thank the fans for how they have supported me through thick and thin this whole process, these last four years, period,” Noel said. “That meant a lot to me. It’s something I’m very appreciative of.”

Brett Brown has coached Noel his entire tenure with the Sixers, during which Noel has experienced injuries and multiple losing streaks. He believed the standing ‘O’ was appropriate.

“I can see why they would do that,” Brown said. “He’s been with us now for however many years, and they see him come in, Nerlens plays hard. He plays defense. He's appreciated by the city. It didn't surprise me. I was glad they gave him a warm welcome. They should give him a warm welcome.”

Philadelphia 76ers

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Official says no-call was wrong to end Sixers' loss; Oubre apologizes for reaction 

3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden's return

Noel has been on the outside of the center trio with Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor. He has spoken out multiple times on his displeasure with the frontcourt logjam. The Sixers have taken him out of the regular rotation, planning to go to him if the starting bigs fell into foul trouble. 

Noel subbed in for Okafor with 6:49 remaining in the third. Embiid was already on the bench with four fouls. Noel played the remainder of the quarter and scored four points (2 for 2 from the floor) with three rebounds in the Sixers' 108-93 loss (see game recap).

“I thought he did OK,” Brown said. “It’s very challenging … He and I [were] sending hand signals on the court, him trying to figure out what we're doing. He just hasn't been around. Trying to figure stuff out with the offense and where he should be. But I thought he looked OK. I give him credit.”

Noel had to shake off some rust from being an observer for two-and-a-half quarters. The strong ovation from the crowd helped him snap into action. 

“I definitely felt the presence that the fans had once I entered the game,” Noel said. “They just got me going, especially knocked off all those little nerves of just sitting most of the game. I was able to go in there and do my thing. Like I said, I just love the fans.”

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us