The Sixer Sense
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Sixers’ win streak reaches 12 with win in Detroit

By Ken Jaskulski

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 4: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Philadelphia defeated Detroit 115-108. 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 (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 4: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Philadelphia defeated Detroit 115-108. 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 (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers extended their win streak to 12 games, defeating Detroit 115-108.  That’s the third-longest win streak in franchise history.

The Philadelphia 76ers extend their win streak to 12 games.  Philadelphia used the same combination of sharing the basketball, balanced scoring and excellent  team defense to defeat Detroit 115-108.  Philly’s win eliminated Detroit from the playoffs and the eight teams that will represent the Eastern Conference are set.

Philly was led by J.J. Redick with 25 points (10-13 shooting) in 33 minutes.  Redick’s game was especially impressive since it was the second game of a back-to-back. Redick led six players that scored in double figures — Marco Belinelli (19), Ben Simmons (16), Ersan Ilyasova (13), Robert Covington (12) and Richaun Holmes (11). Amir Johnson and Ilyasova combined for 21 rebounds, while Simmons and Redick combined for 13 assists.

Redick and Simmons carried the Sixers in the first half with help from Richaun Holmes.  Philly was up 65-49 at half with Simmons scoring 14 points, Redick 13 points and Holmes nine.  The Sixers were efficient the first half, shooting 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range.

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The second half was a matter of playing Detroit even.  Any time Detroit would try to make a run late in the game, Marco Belinelli had an answer.  Detroit’s Stanley Johnson (19 points) and Anthony Tolliver (25 points) tried to rally Detroit, but in the end Philly eliminated them from the playoffs.

STAT GEEKS

Philadelphia had 32 assists to only 13 turnovers. This game was the 25th game Philly had over 30 assists for a game. Philly cooled off in the second half shooing only 49 percent for the game and 43 percent from three-point territory.

MARKELLE FULTZ WATCH

Markelle Fultz’s stats were 15 minutes played, four points (2-7), two rebounds, four assists and one turnover. He also took his first three-point shot of the season and while it missed, it didn’t seem to rattle him.  Fultz also played very good defense on quick guards and challenged shots strongly.

REF REPORT

This was a typical game where the hometown team has a weak crew and gets all the calls early before the calls even out in the second half. It was an embarrassment to that crew in the second half when Drummond was unhappy about not getting a call and dropping a “F” bomb loud enough for me to hear, but he received no technical.

COACHES CORNER

One reason Philadelphia has improved defensively is due to the effort on pick-and-roll defense by the big men.  The 76ers’ bigs no longer sit back in the lane and leave the guards alone on pick-and-roll plays out front.  The bigs show defensively and, whenever possible, don’t switch.  They will also trap the ball on occasion.  Other teams’ bigs don’t seem to put in the same effort defensively, which is a big reason the Sixers are consistently winning.

HEAD SCRATCHERS

Robert Covington must take more shots to the face than any player in the league. The Sixers were helped by Blake Griffith begin out and Reggie Jackson shooting only 1-11. Brett Brown mentioned in his post-game interview that he anticipates Dario Saric playing Friday.  Brown wore his tie during the game, however took it off for the post game conference.

Next: Can the Sixers bring another championship to Philly?

NEXT GAME: Friday v.s. Cleveland.