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After both teams had played just the night before, one could assume that t we'd be in for a world class slop fest. One team did not hold up that end of the bargain. It was most certainly not the Sixers
Philadelphia traveled to Chicago on Saturday night for what was ultimately a trouncing, and left the "Windy City" embarrassed and injured.
Midway through the second quarter, Tony Wroten had his ankle stepped on by Bulls backup center Nazr Mohammed, leaving him writhing in pain. He required the assistance of two teammates to help him off the floor, and did not return after being diagnosed with a sprained right ankle.
Chicago dominated the contest early and often, relying on Carlos Boozer to carry the load in the first quarter, and D.J. Augustin took over in the second. Augustin was scoring as well as facilitating, ending the first half with 11 points as well as seven assists. Joakim Noah dominated the battle with Spencer Hawes down low, who had eight points and seven rebounds of his own.
For the Sixers, they never got into a rhythm offensively. Neither side shot well from beyond the arc, but it wasn't until the 8:37 mark of the third quarter did they hit their first three pointer. Michael Carter-Williams struggled for the second game in a row, finishing 5-22 for just ten points, as well as five turnovers. He didn't have a problem getting to the hole, but consistently was unable to finish around the rim. MCW's issues are likely a mixture of things: him trying to force the issue on offense, and a lack of teammates who can score. Without a real perimeter threat, Chicago was rather comfortable collapsing defensively when Carter-Williams drove to the rim.
The only bright side of tonight's game was once again Dewayne Dedmon, who played like a guy trying to fight for a second 10-day contract. In 17 minutes of action he scored eight points on 4-5 shooting and pulled down 7 rebounds. The true seven footer really utilized his length to subdue Noah and Nazr Mohammed, and at one point stepped in front of the pass and went coast to coast for the dunk.
Dedmon and the gang fell to Chicago 103-78, their lowest point total all season. They'll be back in action on Monday, as they head down to D.C. to take on the Wizards in a matinee matchup.
