Sixers erase sole season loss with 112-106 win in Detroit
Jaylon Brown scored a career-high 30 points as Philadelphia avenged its only defeat from 10 days prior.
By William Turner ·
Philadelphia has played nine games this season and lost exactly one. On Wednesday night in Detroit, the Sixers closed that ledger entry by defeating the Pistons 112-106, a result that improves their record to 8-1 and ends a three-game road trip on a strong note.
The margin of victory was never truly in question for long. Detroit trailed by as much as 18 points during the contest. The Pistons managed to cut the deficit to 106-102 with one minute and five seconds remaining, but Philadelphia regained control in the final minute. Jaylon Brown blocked a three-point attempt by Cade Cunningham with 37 seconds left, and Joel Embiid sank two free throws with 23 seconds on the clock to secure the win.
Brown led all scorers with 30 points, his highest total of the season. Embiid contributed 26 points and 15 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey added 19 points and seven assists. LeBron James recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while VJ Edgecombe finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Every Sixers starter played at least 33 minutes.
The offensive rhythm was uneven for Philadelphia at times. Maxey did not score his first basket until 31 seconds remained in the first quarter. Embiid shot 0-for-3 from deep, extending his season mark to 3-for-26 from beyond the arc. Despite these cold stretches, the team relied on interior execution and movement. Edgecombe and Embiid shared a give-and-go for an Edgecombe dunk early in the third quarter. James also found Adem Bona on a no-look pass near the half-court line, resulting in an and-one.
Detroit started the game by shooting 6-for-9 from the field. Their efficiency dropped sharply thereafter, as they made just 10-of-34 for the rest of the first half. The Sixers capitalized on this shift, ending the first quarter on an 18-4 run. Brown capped that quarter with a 38-foot three-pointer at the buzzer, giving Philadelphia a 29-21 lead.
The Pistons attempted a comeback in the second quarter with a 9-0 run that trimmed a 17-point deficit to eight points at 48-40. Embiid halted the momentum with an offensive rebound and a putback, followed by a free throw. The Sixers maintained a lead of at least 14 points through much of the second half, even while Embiid and Maxey combined for just 3-of-14 shooting during that stretch.
Philadelphia will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Earlier this season, the Sixers defeated Cleveland 114-106 after overcoming a 29-point deficit.
