This matchup had the feel of an Eastern Conference showdown: the Pistons were the only team to beat the 76ers this season, on October 25 in Philadelphia, in a game where Embiid and VJ Edgecombe didn't play. This time, with all their starters healthy, Philadelphia got their revenge at Little Caesars Arena and sit atop the conference at 8-1.
https://youtu.be/Ub14diB7JJI?si=Ty43oDwi_2i3p0W5
76ers control three quarters
The visitors took control from the opening quarter (29-21) and reached halftime with a 14-point lead (56-42). Embiid dominated inside and at the free throw line, where he didn't miss any of his ten attempts, while Brown found easy paths to the rim. In the third quarter, a back-and-forth exchange (35-33) maintained the distance, and Philadelphia entered the final period with a 16-point advantage (91-75).
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Robinson and Cunningham scare Philadelphia
The final quarter belonged to the Pistons. Duncan Robinson, who finished with 27 points and seven three-pointers, and Cade Cunningham, with 26 points and 11 assists, led a 31-21 run that brought Detroit down to the final minute with a chance. The decisive play came on defense: Brown blocked Cunningham down the stretch and the 76ers were able to close out the game.
Beyond Brown's 30 points and Embiid's double-double, LeBron James recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, and Tyrese Maxey added 19 points and 7 assists. For the Pistons, Ausar Thompson grabbed 17 rebounds.
Two scares and a LeBron warning
The victory left two concerns in Philadelphia: Maxey injured his right pinky finger breaking up a two-on-one in the final seconds, though he assured he'll be fine, and Adem Bona left in the fourth quarter with neck soreness. Nick Nurse will provide an update on Thursday.
At 8-1 and 4-0 on the road for the first time since the 2000-01 season, the 76ers' start recalls that of LeBron's great teams. He himself preferred not to get ahead of himself: "It's too early to talk about the Finals on November 4."