Miller’s Double-Double Helps Sixers Rock Rockets

Andre Miller had a double-double Monday night scoring 17 points and game high 12 rebounds, as the Philadelphia 76ers won their third game in a row handily defeating an undermanned Houston Rockets team 100-88. It is the first time this season that the Sixers have had a three game winning streak.

Houston was without starting point guard Rafer Alston as he was on the inactive list with a strained groin. They also lost star guard Tracy McGrady during the game’s second half as he sprained his right ankle, leaving the contest. But by that time Philadelphia had a commanding lead. Houston went back to the future Monday night as they started Steve Francis at the point. Unfortunately the man once known as “Stevie Franchise” did not have the success of Marty McFly. Francis played only a little over 10 minutes, scoring 1 point, 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 3 costly turnovers.

Philadelphia shot 51.2% from the floor for the game, hitting 41-80 shots. They led 30-24, at the end of the first quarter,? and had extended the lead to 56-42 by the end of the first half. Houston fell behind 86-60 at the end of the third quarter, they made a valiant effort to come back in the final quarter, outscoring the?Sixers 28-14, but they were in too deep a hole to climb out of.

Sixers shooting guard Willie Green led his team in scoring with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal, Miller also had 3 steals, 1 blocked shot to go along with his double-double. Andre Iguodala scored 16 points, 3 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, Kyle Korver came off the bench scoring 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Reggie Evans scored 11 points for Philly while center?Samuel Dalembert scored 8 points, and a game high 13 rebounds.

Houston got most of their offense off of their bench Monday night. Leading the way with a double-double was Bonzi Wells who scored a game high 24 points,?10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, Luther Head scored 18 points, and had 2 assists, and 1 rebound. Three Rockets players scored 12 points, McGrady, center Yao Ming, and Mike James?who came off the bench as well. McGrady had 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, before getting hurt, James had 7 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, and Yao had 9 rebounds, in the loss. The Sixers improve to 7-13, while the Rockets are now 11-10.