Brand-Less Sixers Still Have Pistons Number Win 96-91

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

When we last left this match-up, it was the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs. Detroit went into the series as the heavy favorite, but the team from Philadelphia gave the Pistons all they could handle, before they would win the series. Both teams have undergone make overs, the 76ers signing free agent Elton Brand, the team from Motown trading Chauncey Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson last month. Friday night the Sixers were without Brand who strained his left hamstring Wednesday night as his team lost to the L.A. Lakers. Philadelphia instead counted on another free agent they signed this Summer, veteran big man Donyell Marshall who hit some key baskets down the stretch, and the Sixers defeated Detroit 96-91 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

This game had all the markings of a Pistons blow out, until the Sixers started their resurgence late in the third quarter. Detroit took the early lead as they were on top 25-19 at the end of the first quarter. By the end of the second quarter Detroit led 48-38. It looked like it was going to be early garbage time when A.I. drilled a mid-range jumper giving the Pistons a 67-52 lead with 2:25 to play in the third. Philadelphia would score six unanswered points to end the quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits 67-58 at the end of the period. At about the midway point of the fourth quarter, the Sixers made their run cutting a 7 point lead to 1 point when Andre Miller drove the lane and laid it up and in making it an 81-80 contest with 3:47 left. Donyell Marshall would give Philadelphia their first lead since 2-0 as he hit a long jump shot making it 82-81 with 2:55 remaining. Detroit would take back the lead, but with 35 seconds to play Marshall put the Sixers ahead for good hitting a 27 foot trey and putting his team on top 91-89.

Andre Miller had 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, in the Philadelphia victory. Louis Williams came off the bench and added 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, Andre Iguodala scored 14 points, 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks.

Another night where the inconsistency in the Pistons play led to their demise. Richard Hamilton led with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, Allen Iverson scored 17 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds. Rodney Stuckey still coming off the bench, had 16 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, Tayshaun Prince added 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists. Philadelphia improves to 9-11, Detroit is now 11-7.

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