The second half was like a completely different game. The Pistons came out scorching hot, opening on a 15-2 run as the Sixers struggled to respond. Detroit took their first lead, 70-69 after Brandon Jennings hit back-to-back from beyond the arc. After shooting over 50% in the first half, the Sixers only connected on 31.9% of their second half attempts. The Pistons big men were a force to be reckoned with as the team had 14 blocks for the game and out-rebounded Philly 62-42, with 25 offensive boards. Despite this the Sixers still managed to score 64 points in the paint. The game was still in question, 100-98, with 5 minutes remaining but the Pistons would score 9 straight as the Sixers let the game slip away. The Sixers lost 114-104.
Spencer Hawes had an all-around game for the Sixers, grabbing 10 rebounds and handing out 6 assists to go with his 16 points. Young finished with a team-high 22 points and 2 steals while Turner 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 19 points. MCW scored 21 points, swiped 4 steals and added 4 assists. Anderson scored 10 points and secured 8 boards in his return to the starting lineup.
Josh Smith stuffed the stat sheet for Detroit, scoring 22 points, collecting 13 rebounds, and passing out 7 assists. Smith was a force on defense, blocking 5 shots and recording 4 steals. Jennings scored 19 to go with his 6 assists. Greg Monroe scored 15 and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Drommund secured 12 boards and turned away 6 shots.
The Sixers will face the division-rival Knicks on Saturday. While the Sixers have dropped 3 in a row, the Knicks have won three straight games.
By: Matt Ryan