The Sixers built a 16-point lead and held on to beat the Pistons in an Eastern Conference battle.
The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Detroit on Wednesday night and came away with a hard-fought 112-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons. In a matchup between the two best records in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers made the important plays down the stretch to hold onto the win.
Detroit battled back from down 16 points, but the 76ers' ability to execute in the closing minutes prevented a comeback from the Pistons.
The 76ers took control in the opening half, building a 56-42 halftime lead. Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid led the way; Embiid missed the first meeting between the two teams in late October.
Brown had a great game for the Sixers, delivering an outstanding performance with 30 points and seven rebounds. Brown was aggressive offensively, attacking the basket and knocking down important shots when the Pistons threatened to make a run.
Embiid also played a major role, finishing with 26 points and 15 rebounds. His presence around the basket gave Detroit problems throughout the night.
LeBron James contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, along with Tyrese Maxey adding 19 points and seven assists despite struggling shooting from the field, going 5-16 for the night.
Detroit refused to go away quietly.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Cunningham continued to demonstrate why he is such an important part of Detroit's future, creating opportunities for teammates while taking responsibility for the offense.
Duncan Robinson continued to play great basketball, scoring 27 points and connecting on seven three-pointers. His perimeter shooting was a big reason the Pistons made the game interesting.
John Collins added 16 points, while Ausar Thompson made his presence felt on the glass with 17 rebounds.
The Pistons trailed entering the fourth quarter by 16 points but made a push in the fourth quarter, outscoring the 76ers 31-21. The Pistons eventually cut the deficit to just four points before Philadelphia came up with the big defensive stop to thwart the comeback.
The Sixers' big play came in the final minute.
With Detroit looking to cut into a four-point lead, Cunningham attempted a three-pointer that could have brought the Pistons within a point. Brown came up with a crucial block with 37 seconds remaining, which all but killed any chance the Pistons had to complete the comeback.
Maxey hit four free throws in the final minute to hold onto the six-point win.