The Philadelphia 76ers crushed the Detroit Pistons Saturday night 123-98 in a game that spoke volumes about the direction both franchises are heading in.
The Sixers ended a record-tying 26-game losing streak, and they seem to be headed to more glorious achievements. The Pistons are stuck with mediocre players beinng paid like superstars.
Underachieving Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings, frustrated at a non-call he didn’t receive, was ejected in the first quarter on a play that tells you all you need to know about his career. The fact that you could get ejected on a night when your team was trying to avoid the embarassing feat of allowing the 76ers to stop their skid.
Philadelphia hadn’t won at home in almost 70 days, but came out crisp, focused and on a mission. Rookie of the Year to be Michael Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young both led the Sixers with 21 points apiece.
“It’s great to be back on the winning side,” Sixers rookie guard Michael Carter-Williams said during a post-game interview with CSN Philadelphia. “We’re really excited. We’ve worked hard every single day and given it our all for a lot of these games, so it’s good to come up with a win.”
The win marked Philadelphia’s first victory since Jan. 29 and it was their largest win of the season. The Sixers now remain tied with the 2010-11 Cavaliers for the longest losing streak in league history.
The Cavs of course lost 26 games the year after LeBron made his decison.
“I want to thank the fans, they came out in full effect,” Sixers forward Thaddeus Young said. “They were sticking with us all season long. I salute to the fans. Thank you, guys.”