By Kevin McCormick, Sports Talk Staff Writer 
The Philadelphia 76ers played in their second to last preseason game on Tuesday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 106-86, at the Wells Fargo Center. Although the 76ers were without the services of Ben Simmons, Al Horford, and James Ennis III, they were still able to walk away with a convincing win against Detroit.
Joel Embiid leads the way on a night where the 76ers were without two starters
Joel Embiid was the big story of this game, putting together a productive night in only 22 minutes of action. His final stat line included 24 points, eight rebounds, and one block. The superstar big man had an efficient night as he shot just under 50% from the field (8/18) and made all eight of his free-throw attempts. From the opening tip to the time he came off the floor, there was no stopping him tonight.
Josh Richardson as the backup point guard? He continues to show why he can fit in that role
Another story of this game was Josh Richardson, who started at point guard in the absence of Simmons. He continued to show that he is going to be able to fill all the holes for the Sixers this season due to his all-around game.
“I’m excited to give J-Rich the ball and see what it looks like again.” -Brett Brown
Trey Burke will likely come in before Raul Neto tonight, Brown said.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) October 15, 2019
Richardson finished the game with 11 points, five rebounds, and he picked up six assists running the offense. With the role of backup point guard still up in the air, Richardson made his case for what he can do when given the opportunity.
Furkan Korkmaz and Matisse Thybulle take advantage of opportunity in the starting lineup
With Philadelphia being down two starters tonight, it was a night for some other players to be able to earn their time in the rotation once the regular season starts. Two bench players who stepped up tonight were Furkan Korkmaz and Matisse Thybulle, both of whom received a spot in the starting lineup against Detroit.
Thybulle continued to impress on the defensive end as he has done since he stepped on the floor for the Sixers in training camp. His activity on defense earned him two blocks and four steals to go along with seven points on the night. He continues to show he can be productive even when he has quiet nights offensively.
Korkmaz showed what he can bring to the table for the team as a floor spacer. The team needed scoring and Korkmaz did just that, being one of four Sixers players in double-figures on the night. He shot 50% (2/4) from beyond the arc en route to racking up 10 points in the win over Detroit. With shooting being a weak point of this roster, having Korkmaz increase his shooting numbers this season is crucial for the second unit.
Important stats and extra things
- All in all it was a good all around game for the 76ers. Embiid got the team going early on offense, and everyone stepped up on defense to hold onto the lead for the rest of the night. Multiple players on the team have talked about this team’s defensive identity and their play in the preseason has backed it up. Everyone who steps on the floor for the Sixers looks hungry on defense, which is a great sign heading into the regular season.
- Another game, another night where Kyle O'Quinn's passing abilities stand out. He finished with five assists against Detroit. As a big man off the bench, many people would not think O'Quinn would excel in spreading the ball around the floor, but he continues to show he has that ability. His veteran presence, combined with being able to pass the ball and be a solid rebounder, makes him a key player in the 76ers' rotation this season.
- Norvel Pelle. Do I have to say any more? If he can clean up his defense and commit less fouls, he has the potential to become a great energy player off the bench for the 76ers this season.
A short story of Norvel Pelle. pic.twitter.com/eYeBCZiLqk
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 16, 2019
Up next
The 76ers finish up their preseason with a home bout with the Washington Wizards on Friday at 7 p.m. EST.
