reCAP: Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers

12/11/12

The 76ers were coming into the game last night against the Pistons trying to get back to their winning ways. The last game they played, they lost in Boston to the Celtics in blowout fashion so last night they wanted to right the ship. I was at this game to witness a good game. I didn’t care what the Pistons record was; their team is all about defense and a grind-it-out mentality. They are a physical and aggressive team on both offense and defense. The Pistons weakness is their shooting. Just like the 76ers, the Pistons don’t have a good offense. The last time these two teams met, Kyle Singler was the player that stepped up for the Pistons scoring 16 points. Would he have a game last night similar to the last time these two teams met? The Pistons had no injuries coming into this game. Damien Wilkins and Royal Ivey were both out for the 76ers with leg strains. Nick Young, who was injured for the 76ers for the past four games with a hyperextended great left toe, was able to play last night.

The first half was a close game. The 76ers looked good in the first quarter, but in the second quarter the Pistons were looking better. The Pistons were the aggressive team in this half. They were driving to the basket a lot, drew contact, and went to the free throw line 19 times compared to the seven times the 76ers went to the free throw line. That’s the only reason this game was close because the 76ers shot a decent 44% from the floor, but the Pistons shot a poor 36% in the half. The Pistons led 49-46 at halftime. Thaddeus Young led the 76ers with 10 points while Tayshaun Prince scored 12 of his 16 points in this half.

The second half was a rejuvenating half for the 76ers. It was unbelievable how well they played as a team on offense and defense. They were the more aggressive and physical team this half. They shot an astronomical 65% this half while the Pistons shot a mediocre 42% from the floor. The 76ers won by a final score of 104-97 and all the fans that attended the game can get free Big Mac's at McDonald's today because the 76ers scored over 100 points. Jrue Holiday took over this game in the fourth quarter. He scored 12 of his 25 points in the final quarter and dished out eight assists in the game. Thad Young finished with 20 points. Evan Turner collected a double-double. He scored 18 points, snatched 11 rebounds and distributed seven assists in the game. Spencer Hawes had a terrific game off the bench. He had 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Jason Richardson had a quiet 13 points and seven rebounds in the game. For the Pistons, Greg Monroe had a solid game finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. Brandon Knight also had 22 points in the game. Rodney Stuckey collected 19 points.

Overall, the 76ers played a better game than they played on Saturday against Boston. Their pick and roll offense flowed well in the second half, especially when the Pistons were giving Holiday his shots. Their transition offense was solid when they forced the Pistons to turn the ball over. The 76ers outrebounded the Pistons 45-40, which was surprising to me because the last game between these two teams, the Pistons dominated in rebounding. The 76ers kept Singler quiet in this game. He registered only five points in this game. The 76ers have to hope Richardson gets his shooting in rhythm because he is in a slump as of right now. Also, they have to find more ways to get to the free throw line and to MAKE their free throws. The 76ers missed 11 of their 23 free throws in the game while the Pistons missed five of their 33 free throws.

How can the 76ers get to the free throw line more frequently and make their free throws? Sound off and stay tuned to my next entry on Wednesday when the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls.