The 76ers traveled to Chicago to challenge the Bulls Saturday night and it did not end well. Facing yet another defensive-minded team, the Sixers offense could not get it going and finished with a season-low 78 points. Philly (13-27) has lost two games in two nights, falling to the Bulls 103-78.
The Sixers played a very competitive first quarter that was kept within 4 points until the final 1:30. The Bulls scored 6 straight to end the quarter and lead by 5 after the 1st quarter. The game changed in the 2nd quarter, as Chicago absolutely dominated. Tony Wroten sprained his ankle early in the quarter, would not return. The Bulls, led by DJ Augustin and Joakim Noah, scored 13 straight points with 5 minutes remaining in the half. The Sixers offense was dead in the water, scoring a pathetic 12 points in the 2nd, falling behind by 20 at halftime. It would only get worse.
The Sixers trailed by as many as 36 points in 3rd. Chicago's frontcourt of Noah and Boozer impacted both sides of the ball and both players recorded double-doubles. The 76ers settled for three-pointers while trying to play catch-up and would not challenge the Bulls in the paint. This strategy only made things worse, and Brett Brown was obviously not happy with the ball movement. The Sixers ended the quarter on a 9-0 run but were still in a 27 point hole. Philly would never trim the Bull's lead to less than 25. The Sixers would loss in Chicago, 103-78.
Only 3 Sixers scored in double-figures (Young, MCW, and Anderson) as for the second straight game, not a single player was able to score consistently. Thad Young led the team with 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Carter-Williams scored 10 points on 23% shooting, while also recording 5 rebounds and 5 assists. James Anderson secured 7 rebounds to go with his 11 points. The Sixers shot an ugly 35% and only hit 2 of their 19 attempts from long range. They lost the rebounding battle 42-52 and have not broken 100 points in their last 3 games.
Joakim Noah controlled the glass, finishing with 16 boards while scoring 21 points and blocking 4 shots. Boozer scored 15 points and had 13 rebounds. DJ Augustin recorded 19 points and 8 assists off the bench. Chicago scored 25 fast break points, compared to only 12 by Philly.
The Sixers will play the Wizards (19-20) in Washington on Monday in a MLK day matinee. The teams have split their first 2 matchups, each winning on the road.
By: Matt Ryan
The Sixers trailed by as many as 36 points in 3rd. Chicago's frontcourt of Noah and Boozer impacted both sides of the ball and both players recorded double-doubles. The 76ers settled for three-pointers while trying to play catch-up and would not challenge the Bulls in the paint. This strategy only made things worse, and Brett Brown was obviously not happy with the ball movement. The Sixers ended the quarter on a 9-0 run but were still in a 27 point hole. Philly would never trim the Bull's lead to less than 25. The Sixers would loss in Chicago, 103-78.
Only 3 Sixers scored in double-figures (Young, MCW, and Anderson) as for the second straight game, not a single player was able to score consistently. Thad Young led the team with 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Carter-Williams scored 10 points on 23% shooting, while also recording 5 rebounds and 5 assists. James Anderson secured 7 rebounds to go with his 11 points. The Sixers shot an ugly 35% and only hit 2 of their 19 attempts from long range. They lost the rebounding battle 42-52 and have not broken 100 points in their last 3 games.
Joakim Noah controlled the glass, finishing with 16 boards while scoring 21 points and blocking 4 shots. Boozer scored 15 points and had 13 rebounds. DJ Augustin recorded 19 points and 8 assists off the bench. Chicago scored 25 fast break points, compared to only 12 by Philly.
The Sixers will play the Wizards (19-20) in Washington on Monday in a MLK day matinee. The teams have split their first 2 matchups, each winning on the road.
By: Matt Ryan