The Philadelphia 76ers fell flat in Detroit, giving up a fourth-quarter lead as they went down 102-94.
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The Pistons seized control of the game down the stretch as the 76ers offense ground to a halt, giving up a 23-2 run, but head coach Doc Rivers was quick to defend his bench unit, despite their struggles.
“Well, they didn’t struggle,” Rivers said. “They didn’t get a lot of shots. You know, in their defense, I think during that stretch it was more James than them. So… yeah it’s just a tough night.”
Philly managed just 15 points in the final 12 minutes on 6-of-16 from the field and 0-of-6 from the 3-point line.
Doc isn't blaming the bench for the Sixers' loss tonight.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 1, 2022
"It was more James than them." 😳 pic.twitter.com/3ANUm7sfr7
It was a tough night for Harden, who shot 4-of-15 from the field for 18 points, while Joel Embiid continue his MVP-level of play, finishing with 37 points and 15 rebounds.
MORE: Joel Embiid discusses 76ers fans frustration with Ben Simmons
Rivers’ comments come just 48 hours after imploring Harden to be more aggressive as a scorer rather than a playmaker.
“We just need you to be you,” Rivers said of Harden, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Don’t worry about everyone else. As long as you and Joel [Embiid] are in the right spots, we’ll figure out everyone else. But we need you to think of yourself as a scorer, not the way you played in Brooklyn, the way you were a point guard and trying to run the team."
Against Detroit, Philadelphia's bench combined for just eight points on 12 shot attempts and were outscored by the Pistons reserve 39-8.
