Game Recap: Pistons Eliminated From Playoffs in Loss to Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers have defeated the Detroit Pistons 115-108, officially eliminating Detroit from playoff contention.
In a last ditch effort to squeeze into the playoffs, the Pistons came up flat to the short-handed Sixers. Reggie Jackson struggled to an awful night on 1-11 shooting, while Ish Smith's sudden confidence in his three-point shot went for naught, as he finished 2-7 from there and 6-15 total. Anthony Tolliver, who was fantastic on Detroit's win streak, finished with 25 points. Andre Drummond put together his usual double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Pistons committed 17 turnovers tonight as they struggled to take care of the ball against the lengthy Sixers.
Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, but they had no problem taking down Detroit for the fourth time this season. Led by sharpshooters JJ Redick and Marco Belinelli, who combined for 44 points, the Sixers defeated the Pistons easily despite the slow start and finish. Ben Simmons also contributed 16 points, six assists and seven rebounds, further cementing his status as the league's top rookie.
Detroit's season is basically over, and with no first round draft pick, it will be interesting to see what the team does with few assets in free agency. Detroit falls to 36-41 and will take on the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, while the Sixers play the Cleveland Cavaliers the same day.
Featured Image - (AP)