By: Kylan Watson

With the season winding down the Philadelphia 76ers had a lot on the line, as they faced the Detroit Pistons tonight. They are a game ahead of the Miami Heat and a game back of the Indiana Pacers. Philly has to win these last few games of the season. If they want to avoid the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament which starts next week. Philly approached this game with that mentality as they were able to dominate the majority of this contest thanks to a scoring explosion from Joel Embiid. On their way to beating Detroit 120-102 and extending their win streak to six games.

Once again, the Sixers started this game off hot early in this contest. They cashed in on the high-percentage shot opportunities created off their ball movement. That put the Pistons on their heels early in this game before they even settled into the contest they were down by double digits. The trio of Joel Embiid (37 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had eight assists), Buddy Hield (18 points, and made five/nine three-pointers), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17 points) combined for 73 of Philly’s 120 points. This contest was the biggest test of Embiid’s endurance, he played 36 minutes (The most he has played since his return from injury) in this game. He did not show any fatigue in the game and his playmaking was a big factor in the contest. Since Tyrese Maxey did not play in this game the playmaking ability fell to him and he answered the challenge for his team. Embiid’s improved passing ability helped the Sixers win this game. If he can continue to create high-percentage shooting opportunities for his teammates and they cash in on it. Philly will have a deep playoff run and with two games left in the season Embiid should be able to get into better game shape.

Despite the scoring explosion from Embiid, Hield, and Oubre Jr., Detroit continued to fight in this contest. At one point they were able to cut the Sixers double-digit lead to seven points. Jaden Ivey scored 25 points in this contest, and he made Philly pay for giving him any room to get a shot up. It did not matter who they put on him, he was torching his matchup. Ivey is one of the best up-and coming players in the league and he played like it tonight. Philly had to put Oubre Jr. on him to make it more difficult for him and force someone else to beat them. No one else could make the Sixers pay for giving him more defensive attention. The Pistons inability to hit shots outside of Ivey was what helped Philly pull away in this contest. However, Detroit if they continue to build around Ivey will be a dangerous team in the loaded Eastern Conference.

The Sixers now will face the Orlando Magic on Friday night. This is another test for Philly as it is the last future playoff team that they will face before the season ends. They will need to continue to cash in on the high-percentage opportunities created off their ball movement. If they want to keep up with the high-powered offense of the Magic. Additionally, they will need to stay attached to their defensive assignment. They cannot give Orlando multiple looks at the basket because they will make them pay. If the Sixers can implement these things into their game plan, they can get their 46^th victory of the season and extend their win streak to seven games.