Philadelphia picked up right where they left off going into the All-Star break on Tuesday night. For the third time in four games, they were blown out by more than 35 points. Cleveland defeated the 76ers 114-85 at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Sixers are now losers of nine in a row while Cleveland has won its last five.
This game was so out of hand, and decided early, that the Cavilers only needed to play All-Star Game MVP Kyrie Irving for 23 minutes. Cleveland outscored Philadelphia in each of the four quarters.
Tyler Zeller led them with 18 points and snatched a career-high 15 rebounds. Rookie Anthony Bennett picked up a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In what has become common against the Sixers, seven Cavilers reached double figures. Tristan Thompson made it three Cavs with double-doubles, with a dozen and ten himself.
For the Sixers, they were led by Michael Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young who each scored 15 points. Young, along with Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner were possibly playing their last career game in a 76ers’ uniform, as all three have been linked to trade speculation.
Turner and Hawes did not put on a great showing for any scouts or General Managers watching. Turner scored 11 points while Hawes contributed just two points in the losing effort.
In the second quarter, Dion Waiters injured his leg while dunking. The shooting guard was later said to have hyperextended his knee, and did not return to action. Hollis Thompson did not play for the Sixers, nursing a sprained ankle.
Philadelphia will have two days off to focus on trades and whoever remains with the club will next play Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Photo courtesy of Getty images.
