Harden's triple-double leads 76ers to easy win over Pistons
James Harden drives to the basket against Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) ((Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images))
DETROIT - James Harden had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a comfortable 123-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
Tyrese Maxey added 23 points and Montrez Harrell scored 20 for the Sixers, who have won four of five.
Killian Hayes scored 25 points for Detroit, which has alternated wins and losses in its last seven games after a six-game losing streak. Isaiah Stewart finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points.
The Sixers led 71-54 at halftime, thanks to Harrell's 16 points and Harden's 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Harden only needed 27 seconds in the second half to complete his triple-double, setting up Tobias Harris' basket to put Philadelphia up by 19.
Maxey had 11 points in the third to help stay in control. The Sixers outscored the Pistons 29-28 in the quarter to take a 100-82 lead into the fourth.
Detroit narrowed the gap to 116-103 with 3:42 left, forcing Doc Rivers to call a timeout. The Sixers scored the next five points and cruised to the win.
TIP INS
Sixers: Harden became the 27th NBA player to score 24,000 career points, passing the mark on a layup with 6:28 left in the third quarter.
Pistons: Detroit played without two of its three rotation bigs, Jalen Duren (ankle) and Marvin Bagley III (hand). That prevented coach Dwane Casey from his usual tactic to go big with his starting lineup and small with the second unit.
UP NEXT
The teams play against on Tuesday in Philadelphia.