No Michael Carter-Williams meant no chance Saturday night for the 76ers at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons easily handled Philadelphia for a 113-96 victory on Saturday night.
Out with shoulder soreness, the Rookie of the Year favorite was replaced by Tony Wrotten. Making his twelfth start at the point, Wrotten had more turnovers than assists and simply could not fill the rising star’s shoes.
Detroit seemed to be in full control of the game early, as they raced out to a ten point advantage in the opening quarter. The Pistons’ big men, including Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe, Josh Smith and Kyle Singler created matchup nightmares for the 76ers, as they outrebounded Philadelphia 58-44.
They sealed the game for good with their third quarter. Fresh out of the break, Detroit took advantage of the Sixers, who were not only undermanned but playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Pistons flexed their strength of big men and manhandled Philadelphia immediately out of the half. They turned a 57-49 game into a 93-69 laugher.
Detroit had four guys score twenty points or more, an advantage that really separated themselves from the 76ers. Philadelphia can score, but they simply do not have enough fire power to put up those kind of numbers to keep up with Greg Monroe, Brandon Jennings, Andre Drummond and Kyle Singler dropping 20-plus points apiece.
One interesting moment in the game came in the second quarter when Evan Turner and Brandon Jennings were called for technical fouls. Turner flipped the ball at the Pistons after being fouled, and Jennings then threw the ball back at the guard.
The Pistons now lead the season series 2-0. After a day off on Sunday, Philadelphia will travel to face the Brooklyn Nets Monday night from the Barclays Center.
