It's a funny league, the NBA.
For a couple of days, a good team can look like it's stuck in the mud (to borrow an oft-used phrase from a particular head coach), at times hard to recognize.
Then, within a matter of hours, the vibes change completely. The squad gets back into a groove, recaptures its mojo, and all is right with the world.
With a 125-109 victory Monday at Detroit, the 76ers further distanced themselves from last week's three-game losing streak, during which facing zone defenses was a recurring, problematic theme.
Against the Pistons, the Sixers shot better than 52.0% for a second straight contest, while once again dominating the backboards. Their stars performed at a high level, and reserves stepped up to provide impactful contributions.
Here's a recap of some of the top notes and quotes from the Sixers' second and final stop of the season in Motown.
Their past two games, the 76ers have been zone-busters. They've moved the ball well, and have also been making shots. According to Tobias Harris:
Brett Brown called the Sixers' execution against the Detroit Piston's zone defense "outstanding." Just a few short games ago, the zone managed to throw the Sixers' off their rhythm:
Ben Simmons' career-high 17 assists highlighted the 24th triple-double of all-time. He also added 16 points (8-14 fg) and 13 boards. His mission Monday was to share the ball, move with pace, and attack.
The approach worked, and left veteran Tobias Harris mighty impressed:
Simmons logged 37 minutes in Monday's game, the highest total of any player from either team. Afterwards, he hung out around the court a little longer to sign autographs. Simmons was spreading the goodwill spirit throughout the night. Earlier in the evening, he sought out a young fan who had shown up hours before tip-off in hopes of meeting the All-Star.
Throughout the first half of the season, the 76ers have been tasked with weathering injuries. To-date, they've lived up to the challenge, currently boasting the seventh-best record in the NBA despite being routinely undermanned. In the absence of Matisse Thybulle (knee) Monday, it was Furkan Korkmaz who rose to the occasion. The reserve wing netted a career-best 21 points. Ben Simmons said Korkmaz's efforts were "huge."
Brett Brown shared similar sentiments.