The 76ers played the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors in Philadelphia Friday night. The Sixers lost in Toronto back in mid-December. The Sixers (14-29) would lose a game that was close up until a run by the Raptors(22-20) in the final quarter.
The Sixers did not get off to a good start, allowing the Raptors to hit 6 of their first 7 shots to open on a 13-2 run. Brett Brown called a much needed timeout and the Sixers turned it around, taking the lead with 3 minutes left in the opening quarter. DeMar DeRozen, who scored 40 points only a day earlier against Dallas, hit his first 3 shots but would miss his next 8. Philly got everyone involved offensively and carried a slim 1 point lead into the 2nd quarter.
Spencer Hawes had his impact in the first half, grabbing 7 rebounds to go with 8 points. Philadelphia did what they do best and attacked the basket, scoring 34 points in the paint in the half. The lead went back and forth throughout the 2nd period and the 76ers went into the break up 53-52. Michael Carter-Williams led his team with 10 points while DeRozan led Toronto with 12.
The 3rd quarter had both teams trading baskets as it was neck and neck. Kyle Lowry had an extremely effective performance and put the Raptors ahead by 2 at the end of the quarter. The game would be defined by a 16-5 Raptors run early in the 4th as DeRozan helped Toronto pull away. The Sixers found themselves down by 13 for the first time since early in the opening quarter. Interestingly, Coach Brown elected to leave Turner on the bench and play the hot Hollis Thompson for the final minutes. MCW attempted to lead his team back into it and the Sixers would cut it to 6 with only :39 left in the contest. A few Toronto free-throws cemented the loss for Philadelphia; 104-95.
MCDubz scored 20 points and dished out 5 assists in the loss. Hawes recorded another double-double with 12 rebounds and 14 points. Thad Young scored 16 points, collected 7 boards and had 3 steals defensively. Hollis Thompson added 15 points and 9 rebounds in reserve. The Sixers outscored the Raptors 56-36 in the paint, but only shot 42.7% from the floor. Philly limited their turnovers to only 10, but lost the rebounding battle, once again leading to a loss.
Kyle Lowry was the player of the game, recording a triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Villanova-product was big down the stretch and hit 7 of 11 shots from the floor. DeRozan put up 34 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. John Salmons added 12 points off the bench.
The Sixers will play the Thunder in Philly on Saturday. Kevin Durant did not play Friday for OKC and is questionable to play tomorrow. Maybe the Sixers have a chance.
By: Matt Ryan
Spencer Hawes had his impact in the first half, grabbing 7 rebounds to go with 8 points. Philadelphia did what they do best and attacked the basket, scoring 34 points in the paint in the half. The lead went back and forth throughout the 2nd period and the 76ers went into the break up 53-52. Michael Carter-Williams led his team with 10 points while DeRozan led Toronto with 12.
The 3rd quarter had both teams trading baskets as it was neck and neck. Kyle Lowry had an extremely effective performance and put the Raptors ahead by 2 at the end of the quarter. The game would be defined by a 16-5 Raptors run early in the 4th as DeRozan helped Toronto pull away. The Sixers found themselves down by 13 for the first time since early in the opening quarter. Interestingly, Coach Brown elected to leave Turner on the bench and play the hot Hollis Thompson for the final minutes. MCW attempted to lead his team back into it and the Sixers would cut it to 6 with only :39 left in the contest. A few Toronto free-throws cemented the loss for Philadelphia; 104-95.
MCDubz scored 20 points and dished out 5 assists in the loss. Hawes recorded another double-double with 12 rebounds and 14 points. Thad Young scored 16 points, collected 7 boards and had 3 steals defensively. Hollis Thompson added 15 points and 9 rebounds in reserve. The Sixers outscored the Raptors 56-36 in the paint, but only shot 42.7% from the floor. Philly limited their turnovers to only 10, but lost the rebounding battle, once again leading to a loss.
Kyle Lowry was the player of the game, recording a triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Villanova-product was big down the stretch and hit 7 of 11 shots from the floor. DeRozan put up 34 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. John Salmons added 12 points off the bench.
The Sixers will play the Thunder in Philly on Saturday. Kevin Durant did not play Friday for OKC and is questionable to play tomorrow. Maybe the Sixers have a chance.
By: Matt Ryan
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