Detroit Pistons (47-18) beat Philadelphia 76ers (35-31) 131-109 at home on Thursday, March 12. The final margin was 22 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Pistons had the better start, winning the first 36-27 to lead by 9 after one. The teams matched each other with 33 points apiece in the second quarter; the Pistons still led by 9 at halftime.
The Pistons won the third 35-21 to create some separation, taking a 23-point lead into the fourth. The 76ers took the fourth 28-27; the Pistons held on for a 131-109 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Pistons got more from their shots, finishing at 61.8% effective field-goal shooting compared with 51.1% for the 76ers. The Pistons made 23.6 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 18.9 for the 76ers. That shooting gap supplied the clearest edge.
At roughly 105 possessions per team, the Pistons produced 124.6 points per 100 possessions to 103.7 for the 76ers.
The Pistons' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 62-45.
Who stood out
Duncan Robinson was the game's biggest individual force for DET: 19 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast on 7-10 shooting. His Game Score of 18.2 led everyone. His team was +18 with him on the floor.
Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 12 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl on 5-11 shooting, good for a 15.1 Game Score.
Jalen Duren (14 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Pistons about a 82% chance.
Across the last 5 meetings in our records, Detroit Pistons lead 4-1.
The Pistons are now 47-18, and the 76ers are 35-31. The Pistons last five before this game: L-L-L-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.