The 76ers, the fastest-paced team in the league, were easily outpaced by LA early on as Philly fell behind 13-0 within the first 3 minutes of play. Brett Brown called another timeout after the Sixers as the Clippers expanded their lead, 26-5. The Clippers dominated Philadelphia in every way possible. The Sixers didn't look like they belonged on the same court. The Sixers trailed 46-15 after shooting 19%, compared to LA's 72%, the opening period.
The Sixers had no luck attacking the paint with Deandre Jordan defending the rim. Two straight, spectacular alley-oops from CP3 to Blake Griffin made it a 41 point game midway through the 2nd quarter. Philadelphia had nothing to show offensively. Thaddeus Young was the only Sixer to connect on more than 1 field goal in the first half and led his team with 9 points at the break. The Clippers led 69-30 at halftime, led by Griffin's 17 points and 9 rebounds.
The 76ers' struggles continued into the 3rd, as the Clippers opened the 2nd half with a 20-3 run. Midway through the 3rd, the Sixers had only scored 33 points on an unbelievably terrible 15% shooting. Philly actually then scored 14 unanswered, showing a little life, after they were already buried. Philly trailed 100-51 after 3 quarters of play. The Sixers actually outscored the Clippers in the final quarter, but that's not saying much as the Clippers were playing only reserves. The 76ers were blown out 123-78.
Thad Young recorded a double-double in the loss with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Carter-Williams finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists but also had 8 turnovers. Wroten led the team with 21 points off the bench. Hawes had his worst game of the season, finishing scoreless with only 2 rebounds as he was bullied by Jordan in the paint. The Sixers shot 27% from the floor and hit only 3 of 28 attempts from downtown. Somehow, the Sixers actually won the turnover battle, committing 18 while forcing 23.
Blake Griffin scored 26 points for LA while grabbing 11 rebounds and adding 6 assists. Jamal Crawford added 21 points and DeAndre Jordan secured 20 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. The Clippers shot 56% and outscored Philly 60-46 in the paint.
The headline coming into the game was the return of Chris Paul after sitting since January 3rd with a shoulder injury. The Sixers would have a return of their own, as Arnett Moultrie made his season-debut after injuring his ankle over the summer. In 16 minutes off the bench, Moultrie swiped 3 steals and blocked a shot but missed all 3 shots.
The 76ers will look to regain their pride against the Warriors on Monday.
By: Matt Ryan