The Philadelphia 76ers won their first game of the season over the Detroit Pistons behind strong performances from Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The Process seems to be working itself out four games into the year.
The Philadelphia 76ers got their first win of the 2017-18 season against the Detroit Pistons Monday night, 97-86. The Sixers used a combination of solid defense and efficient offense to get the victory and did so in impressive fashion.
Early victories matter for the Sixers as they have the playoffs on their minds this season. The Pistons will be one of those teams in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference standings — in the way of Philadelphia’s chances at a playoff berth.
Philadelphia led by as many as 21 points and never trailed in the game, despite being on the road. They overcame 21 turnovers to get the victory. Ben Simmons finished the game with first triple-double of his career, racking up 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on 8-of-11 shooting from the field.
It was a 20-6 outburst by the Sixers in the second quarter that really opened things up for the offense. Joel Embiid had a solid game after sitting out the team’s last game against the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 21. He finished the game with 30 points, nine rebounds and two steals.
The victory marks a sign of better days ahead for the Philadelphia 76ers. They didn’t get their first victory until their eighth game last season.
Here’s a look at three takeaways from the victory.