Noel Injured in Win Over Visiting Detroit

By Doug Ammon, Sixers.com

After overcoming a 15-point deficit Tuesday night to notch a win against Memphis, the Pistons found themselves in a similar predicament on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. But despite a late push by Detroit, the Sixers’ defense was too much for them to overcome, holding them to 33.0% shooting in a 94-83 win, Philadelphia’s 16th of the season.

The Sixers entered halftime with a 10-point lead and outscored the Pistons 26-10 in the paint through the first 24 minutes of the game. This number ballooned to a 40–20 margin by the end of the contest and helped the Sixers notch their fourth win over Detroit in five outings.

It was a total team defensive effort, as most of the Sixers wins have been this season. When the fourth quarter started, only one Piston, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, had double-digit points. When the final whistle blew, only Reggie Jackson had joined him in the 10+ point club. As a team, Detroit shot 33.0% from the field, their lowest output since a 30.7% performance on January 28 in a loss to none other than the Sixers.

Thomas Robinson continued to attack the glass and score easy buckets, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting to go along with six rebounds in just 16 minutes of action. Other role players stepped up again for the Sixers as well, as Ish Smith (15 points), Jason Richardson (14 points), and Jerami Grant (10 points) scored in double figures. Smith tallied a team-high eight dimes as well, marking his third game leading the squad in scoring since joining the Sixers.

Nerlens Noel Okay After Leaving Game With Foot Injury

In 22 minutes of action, Nerlens Noel finished with 11 points (5/10 FG), four rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. But his night was short after he came down awkwardly on his right foot at the 7:12 mark of the third quarter. He stayed in the game a bit longer, but left for good at 4:26 in the third frame.

Fortunately, Coach Brown squashed the notion of it being a long-term injury postgame.

“He could have returned tonight,” Brown said. “ I just felt like Furkan [Aldemir] was playing well, and the game was under control. We just decided to let Nerlens get a little bit more rest.”

Inside the Numbers: 18

Philly forced the Pistons into committing 18 turnovers, the most the Sixers have forced in their past four games.

“I thought defensively we locked in and started the game well,” said head coach Brett Brown. “With the exception of how we ended the third quarter, I’ve got no complaints.”

Up Next

The Sixers only have one day off to recharge their batteries before the New York Knicks arrive for a Friday night meeting. The team is 0-2 vs. the Knicks this season.