Philadelphia failed to score 100 points in both match-ups this weekend, making it 9 games since they've reached the century mark. On the other hand, The Suns and the Clippers each put up at least 112 points on over 50% shooting.
The Sixers would be handed 2 more losses and end not only the weekend winless, but also their 5 game road trip.
The Sixers had fallen behind the Suns early but Wroten got to the basket on consecutive drives to help put the Sixers up by 2 at the half. Their 59 first-half points marked a season high for Brett Brown's team. Phoenix worked their way back in front in the 3rd quarter with great shooting and fancy alley-oops. The Sixers trailed by 12 before going on an 11-0 run to make it 80-79 with only a minute left in the 3rd. Unfortunately, the Suns outplayed the Sixers in the final quarter as Philly only managed 17 points to cement their loss, 112-96.
The Sixers, as usual, were hurt by poor free throw shooting only taking advantage of 60% of their chances. The Suns shot 50% from the floor and knocked down 14 three-pointers at an impressive 44% clip.
The 76ers received a serious spark off the bench from both Wroten and Sims. Wroten led Philly with 28 points with 3 assists and 3 steals while Sims added 16 in the point column and 5 rebounds with 2 blocks. Carter-Williams contributed 17 points, 7 boards and 5 dimes and LRMaM secured 8 boards and swiped 3 steals along with his 12 points in his return. Noel was quiet with only 6 rebounds and 4 points, but he did add 2 blocks.
Markieff Morris and Gerald Green each scored 21 points for Phoenix. Bledsoe added 17 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds while Goran Dragic scored 10 and collected 10 rebounds.
Michael Carter-Williams would not play against the Clippers with a shoulder injury. Wroten would take his place as the starting point guard.
The Sixers would but up 53 first half points but still trail by 9 to an electric Clippers team. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points early, the 76ers would again make it only a game in the third quarter, as they cut LA's lead to only 4. The Clippers would respond with a 10-0 run and pull away for good. Doc Rivers would rest his starters for the entire 4th quarter and still manage to outscore Philly 39-17. The Sixers would feel defeat for the 5th straight game in a 127-91 loss.
It's become a recurring theme with the Sixers being unable to close out games, giving the game up in the final quarter. In a post game interview Brett Brown said, "We play for 36 minutes and can't sustain it".
The 76ers shot 41% compared to Los Angeles 54%. The Clippers knocked down 15 shots from beyond the arc on 41% and managed only 8 turnovers. The Sixers turned the ball over 21 times.
Wroten again led all scorers with 27 points and dished out 7 assists. Covington knocked down 4 threes on his way to 23 points. Nerlens Noel only put up 7 points on 3-12 shooting but he secured 12 rebounds. Jakarr Sampson scored 10 off the pine.
Chris Paul led the way for the Clippers with 24 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. Redick scored 17 points while Blake Griffin was held relatively in check with only 15 points and 2 rebounds.
The Sixers will return to Philly and look to pick up their first home win against the Cavaliers on Monday night.
By: Matt Ryan