The Sixers took on the Miami Heat in their 2014-15 home opener. Unlike last year's home opener when Michael Carter-Williams and company surprised the entire league by defeating the then reigning NBA Champion Heat, this year's Sixers could not pull an upset. A turnover plagued performance led Philadelphia to their third straight loss, 114-96.
Brett Brown decided to change up the starting lineup after two losses, swapping in Luc Richard Mbah a Moute for Chris Johnson at the small forward spot. Mbah a Moute had great chances in the opening quarter but only hit 2 of 7 shots. Philly had 5 first quarter blocks, all recorded by wing players (3 by Hollis Thompson and 2 by Kj McDaniels). The Sixers trailed 30-32 going into the second quarter.
Tony Wroten gave the 76ers a 41-39 second quarter lead by hitting 2 of 3 free throws, capping an 8-0 Philly run. The Sixers shot 58% from the field in the first half, night and day compared to their first two games on the road. But even with the improved shooting, Philadelphia trailed by 6 going into the half because of 11 first half turnovers and breakdowns on the defensive side of the ball. Every single Sixers that touched the court in the first half scored as they piled up 17 assists.
Chris Bosh led the Heat with 18 first half points while both Wroten and Brandon Davies scored 10 points for Philly, with Davies connecting on all 5 of his attempts.
The Sixers kept with the Heat, knotting the score up three separate times in the 3rd quarter until once again falling apart in the final period. Philadelphia was outscored 27-13 in the fourth quarter as the turnovers piled up. The 76ers ended with 24 total turnovers and even their 52% shooting couldn't keep them alive.
Noel only played 25 minutes in this second game of a back-to-back and did not make much an impact. The rookie finished with only 2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. Wroten continued to lead the way offensively with 21 points and 10 dimes. Davies contributed 18 points off the bench.
Chris Bosh totaled 30 points and 8 boards while both Luol Deng and Shawne Williams added 15 points for the Heat. Mario Chalmers made a splash in a reserve role, scoring 20 points and knocking down 2 fourth quarter threes helping Miami seal their victory.
The 76ers continue their 4 game homestand on Monday against James Harden and the Houston Rockets (3-0).
By: Matt Ryan
Tony Wroten gave the 76ers a 41-39 second quarter lead by hitting 2 of 3 free throws, capping an 8-0 Philly run. The Sixers shot 58% from the field in the first half, night and day compared to their first two games on the road. But even with the improved shooting, Philadelphia trailed by 6 going into the half because of 11 first half turnovers and breakdowns on the defensive side of the ball. Every single Sixers that touched the court in the first half scored as they piled up 17 assists.
Chris Bosh led the Heat with 18 first half points while both Wroten and Brandon Davies scored 10 points for Philly, with Davies connecting on all 5 of his attempts.
The Sixers kept with the Heat, knotting the score up three separate times in the 3rd quarter until once again falling apart in the final period. Philadelphia was outscored 27-13 in the fourth quarter as the turnovers piled up. The 76ers ended with 24 total turnovers and even their 52% shooting couldn't keep them alive.
Noel only played 25 minutes in this second game of a back-to-back and did not make much an impact. The rookie finished with only 2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. Wroten continued to lead the way offensively with 21 points and 10 dimes. Davies contributed 18 points off the bench.
Chris Bosh totaled 30 points and 8 boards while both Luol Deng and Shawne Williams added 15 points for the Heat. Mario Chalmers made a splash in a reserve role, scoring 20 points and knocking down 2 fourth quarter threes helping Miami seal their victory.
The 76ers continue their 4 game homestand on Monday against James Harden and the Houston Rockets (3-0).
By: Matt Ryan
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