The 76ers (6-11) faced off with the Pistons (6-10) in Detroit on Sunday afternoon hoping to turnaround their recent play. Philadelphia has been terrible on the road, coming into Sunday's game 1-6 when away from home. Their road woes would only continue as the Sixers fell 115-100.
Hollis Thompson got his first start as Coach Brown decided to shake up his lineup by moving James Anderson to the bench. The Sixers allowed Detroit to get ahead early in the opening quarter as the Pistons started on a 7-0 run. Philadelphia's league worst defense lived up to its reputation against Mo Cheeks' Piston's, allowing 40 points in the first quarter alone. Detroit shot 66.7% in the opening period, hitting all 6 of their attempted threes. The Sixers really struggled offensively to start the 2nd quarter, missing their first 6 shots. Once Philadelphia's starters returned to the floor they played much better, going on an 11-4 run, making it a 10 point game. However, the Detroit starters had the same effect as they returned to the game, quickly pushing their lead back to 18. The Piston's outplayed Philly for the rest of the half and the Sixers went into the break down, 46-70. Detroit dominated Philadelphia on the glass, 31-14. MCW and Young both had 8 to lead the Sixers at halftime. Andre Drummond had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Piston's as he owned the paint with no legitimate big man on Philadelphia's roster to stop him.
Thad Young scored well early in the second half, adding 10 within the first few minutes of the 3rd quarter, but Detroit held their grip on the lead. Brett Brown elected to use the "Hack" strategy on Drummond with over 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter as he is by far the worst free-throw shooter in the league (29% on the year..... how is that even possible?). As much as the strategy ruins the entertainment factor of the game, if you can't shoot over 30% from the line.... it's called practice. After forcing Mo Cheeks to take Drummond out of the game, the Sixers made it a 12 point game entering the 4th. The Sixers were able to slow down the Piston's offense in the second half but Philadelphia couldn't get it done in the 4th, scoring only 18 points in the quarter. The Sixers would lose their seventh of eight road games, 115-100.
This was a winnable game for Philly, playing a team that is the worst in the NBA from the foul-line, not a big threat from beyond the arc, and that shouldn't have been able to run with them. However, the Pistons beat them from the start of the game. Led by Drummond, Detroit secured 57 rebounds compared to Philly's 41. Of those rebounds, the Pistons had 16 offensive boards, giving them plenty of second chances. The 76ers actually picked it up and outscored the Pistons in the paint and in fast break points by the end of the game.
Thad Young led Philly with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks before fouling out in the 4th. Turner added 20 points and 3 steals, while MCW did a little bit of everything; scoring 15 points, and recording 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals.
Drummond was the player of the game with 31 points, 19 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. Josh Smith scored 20 points and helped defensively with 3 blocks as Jennings added 20 points and dished out 12 assists.
The Sixers need to turn the season around if they actually hope to make the playoffs, then again that wasn't their intention coming into the season. The 76ers return home to play the Magic (6-10) on Tuesday.
By: Matt Ryan
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Thad Young scored well early in the second half, adding 10 within the first few minutes of the 3rd quarter, but Detroit held their grip on the lead. Brett Brown elected to use the "Hack" strategy on Drummond with over 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter as he is by far the worst free-throw shooter in the league (29% on the year..... how is that even possible?). As much as the strategy ruins the entertainment factor of the game, if you can't shoot over 30% from the line.... it's called practice. After forcing Mo Cheeks to take Drummond out of the game, the Sixers made it a 12 point game entering the 4th. The Sixers were able to slow down the Piston's offense in the second half but Philadelphia couldn't get it done in the 4th, scoring only 18 points in the quarter. The Sixers would lose their seventh of eight road games, 115-100.
This was a winnable game for Philly, playing a team that is the worst in the NBA from the foul-line, not a big threat from beyond the arc, and that shouldn't have been able to run with them. However, the Pistons beat them from the start of the game. Led by Drummond, Detroit secured 57 rebounds compared to Philly's 41. Of those rebounds, the Pistons had 16 offensive boards, giving them plenty of second chances. The 76ers actually picked it up and outscored the Pistons in the paint and in fast break points by the end of the game.
Thad Young led Philly with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks before fouling out in the 4th. Turner added 20 points and 3 steals, while MCW did a little bit of everything; scoring 15 points, and recording 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals.
Drummond was the player of the game with 31 points, 19 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. Josh Smith scored 20 points and helped defensively with 3 blocks as Jennings added 20 points and dished out 12 assists.
The Sixers need to turn the season around if they actually hope to make the playoffs, then again that wasn't their intention coming into the season. The 76ers return home to play the Magic (6-10) on Tuesday.
By: Matt Ryan
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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