Philadelphia lost 106-93 to Detroit, ending a three-game winning streak and the 3-0 start. Tyrese Maxey scored 29, but Cade Cunningham matched him with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, and Philly trailed 34-22 after one quarter.
Where did the game get away from Philadelphia?
In the first quarter, 34-22. A 12-point hole on zero days of rest is a lot to climb out of, and this was the fourth game in roughly six days. Detroit came in with a day off and was missing Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson. Philly never fully closed the gap, and the Pistons finished it by 13.
Who earns a grade from this loss?
Maxey gets an A-minus. He led Philadelphia with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and he was the only reliable source of offense once the game tilted. The other side of the ledger is Cunningham, whose 26-8-8 is exactly what a lead guard should produce against a tired team. The loss has nothing to do with Maxey's effort.
Was sitting Embiid the right call?
Yes, and I will argue it with anyone. ESPN's Kris Rhim reported that the Sixers overruled Embiid and sat him to manage his plantar fasciitis. He had just posted a triple-double the night before, on the second night of a back-to-back. One loss in November costs one game. A heel that flares up in April costs a lot more.
What does one loss change in the East race?
Very little. Philadelphia is 3-1, sits second in the East and leads the 11th seed by 1.5 games, with 78 left. The next test is Tuesday at Indiana, and Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and Jabari Walker are all targeted to return October 28. Then comes the Knicks on October 30, and a trip to Detroit on November 4 offers a rematch.
Why did the 76ers lose to the Pistons?
Philadelphia fell behind 34-22 after one quarter on the second night of a back-to-back, without Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and Jabari Walker. Detroit won 106-93 behind Cade Cunningham's 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
When do the 76ers play next?
Philadelphia visits the Pacers on October 28, then hosts the Knicks on October 30 in an Emirates NBA Cup game. Embiid, Edgecombe and Walker are all targeted to return on October 28.
