The Sixer Sense
Fansided

RECAP: Philadelphia 76ers 97, Detroit Pistons 86

By Jason Blevins

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons on October 23, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons on October 23, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sixers Win! Ben Simmons leads the Philadelphia 76ers to an impressive road victory with his first career triple double.

In front of dozens of fans in Detroit the Philadelphia 76ers broke out to an early lead only to hold off a surging Pistons team who was 2-1 going in. Let’s face it, a win is a win. And the Philadelphia 76ers badly needed a win after starting 0-3 and being embarrassed in Toronto Saturday night. The team came out aggressive on defense and offense and ran out to an early lead that was well over double digits for most of the first three quarters. The Pistons pushed hard for a comeback and got the game within three before the Philadelphia 76ers, lead by Ben Simmons re-established control and pulled away for an impressive 11-point win.

This game was sparked by the defense, but dominated by the young Philadelphia 76ers stars. Joel Embiid still shows signs of rust and turned the ball over seven times but his undeniably soft touch was back.

Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS. A+. 33 mins | 21 pts | 12 reb | 10 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 4 TO | 8-11 FG | 0-0 3PT| 5-6 FT | 2 PF | +10 +/-| <strong>Summary</strong>: Ben Simmons showed every bit of his immense potential tonight. Both Offensively and Defensively he was the team leader and perfect counterpoint to Embiid. Showing a veteran command, Simmons calmed the team down multiple times and attacked the rim hard for a huge Dunk to stop a Pistons run. Simmons is quickly becoming the second star that an NBA playoff caliber team needs.. PG

B+. 28 mins | 30 pts | 9 reb |  0 ast | 2 stl | 0 blk | 7 TO | 11-15 FG | 1-1 3PT| 7-8 FT | 5 PF | +21 +/-| <strong>Summary</strong>: Joel Embiid did not play his cleanest game and struggled with his handling at time. 7 turnovers show there is still rust to shake off. Aside from turnovers, however it is hard to complain about Embiid’s night. He was a dominant presence in the paint on both ends and was a key anchor for a defense that allowed the Pistons to shoot just 38.8 percent from the field.. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID

34 mins | 13 pts | 5 reb | 2 ast | 4 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 4-7 FG | 2-3 3PT| <strong>Summary</strong>: Robert Covington remains a stalwart of the process. Covington had an extremely efficient night offensively while being an absolute all NBA level defender. His four steals underscore the number of deflections, altered shots and general havoc he created on the defensive end.. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. ROBERT COVINGTON. A+

C-. 16 mins | 2 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 3 TO | 1-14 FG | 0-0 3PT| 0-0 FT | 0 PF | +2 +/-|<p><strong>Summary</strong>: Fultz once again struggled to finish at the rim or attempt long range jump shot. However he seems to showing frustration which is the first stage of getting over what I believe is partially a mental block. He showed some flashes of the ultra creative handle that made all scouts drool heading into the draft.</p>. PG. Philadelphia 76ers. MARKELLE FULTZ

D+. 19 mins | 3 pts | 9 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 1-5 FG | 1-3 3PT| 0-2 FT | 5 PF | -11 +/-|<p><strong>Summary</strong>: Amir Johnson continues to struggle as the backup to Joel Embiid. He was one of only two Sixers tonight to post a negative +/- and the Pistons seemed to gain confidence every time Embiid stepped off the floor. Amir continues to struggle from the floor as an offensive option.</p>. C. Philadelphia 76ers. AMIR JOHNSON

The Philadelphia 76ers return home to continue their brutal early season schedule against the Houston Rockets.

Next: What's going on with Markelle Fultz?

This was a critical win to capture on the road from a team morale standpoint.