Sixers Dominate Pistons for Eighth Straight Win
After an ugly win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, the Sixers were back in action on Saturday. Next up was a matchup against the Detroit Pistons with a chance to extend their winning streak to eight games.
Based on the way they came out, it was cleared the Sixers learned the error of their ways. After letting the Pelicans hang around the night prior, they did not give the Pistons that same luxury.
They burst out to an early lead and never looked back. When all was said and done, the Sixers would walk away with a 118-104 victory.
The Pistons had no answer for Joel Embiid as he went for another dominant performance. He ended the game with 29 points in just 22 minutes of action. Embiid missed just two shots in the entire game, shooting 11-13 from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line.
While the Sixers had worked their way back to full health in recent weeks, multiple starters did not take the floor Saturday night. Ben Simmons sat with back tightness, and Seth Curry was sidelined for left hip recovery.
Missing multiple players opened up the door for some players at the end of the rotation to see some extended minutes. One of those players would be Tyrese Maxey, who started in place of Ben Simmons.
The rookie went on to have one of the best performances of his young career. Maxey erupted for 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. On top of that, he did it efficiently, making seven of his eleven shot attempts.
Maxey continues to get an opportunity and run with it when given the chance.
Matisse Thybulle also got a start tonight and did what he does best. He put on another defensive showcase, coming up with five steals in just over 19 minutes of work. Thybulle continues to boost his case for All-Defensive first-team honors this season.
After a night to forget on Friday for the Sixers' second unit, they turned things around against the Pistons. The person to stabilize the bench unit was none other than Dwight Howard.
The veteran big man would turn back the clocks and show shades of his former self. Howard went on to finish with 19 points and 14 rebounds. He made six of nine field-goal attempts and even stepped out to hit a shot from deep.
With this win, the Sixers now extend their longest win streak of the season. They continue to make the most of their easy schedule to close the regular season.
The grueling schedule has not been easy, but the Sixers find themselves with some extended rest. They have a rare two days in a row off, as they will not take the floor again until Tuesday. They take on the Indiana Pacers next with a chance to extend their winning streak to nine games.