Sixers Bell Ringer: Isaiah Joe once again shows out as Philadelphia drops preseason finale

Sixers Bell Ringer preseason standings

Andre Drummond: 1

Georges Niang: 1

Furkan Korkmaz: 1

The Philadelphia 76ers put a bow on their four-game preseason schedule with a 112-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Short six rotation players, including three (or four) starters, the Sixers fell behind early and saw the deficit balloon to 22 before constructing a fourth-quarter charge, which Detroit eventually fended off. The games will count for real starting Wednesday in New Orleans against the Pelicans at 8 p.m. EST. It’s time to talk Bell Ringer. Let’s get to it.

Isaiah Joe: 14 points, three assists, three rebounds, one block

Were it not for my embarrassing omission to open the 2021-22 Bell Ringer series, Joe would’ve been featured in every single one during preseason. He maintained his torrid outside shooting and canned a couple movement triples, as well as one from well beyond the arc. He also lofted in a floater, a shot that would behoove him to incorporate into his interior scoring arsenal. When the Pistons sent multiple bodies his way, he leveraged that attention to yield quality shots for teammates. Defensively, he executed a pair of impactful help rotations in pick-and-rolls, and continued to pose some problems as a physical on-ball pest. Joe didn’t garner much mention during training camp, but his play is the biggest storyline from preseason.

Tyrese Maxey: 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal

Starting his second preseason outing in three opportunities, Maxey wreaked havoc as a pick-and-roll slasher throughout the initial 24 minutes, including 11 first-quarter points on 5-of-6 shooting. Whether it was an off-balance leaner, a lefty floater or finishes through contact, he routinely bolted into the teeth of Detroit’s defense and excelled. At one point, the Pistons brazenly ducked under a screen, so he teed up a off-the-bounce three and nailed it. He had a few defensive miscues and his second-half stint was less prosperous than before the break, but Friday was an encouraging performance in which he displayed much of his offensive allure.

Paul Reed: 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, two blocks

Reed played a critical role in the Sixers mounting a second-half comeback to nearly steal this one in Detroit. He flew around the floor defensively to protect the rim and snag takeaways, had the floater cooking and rolled well in ball-screens. His motor did produce five fouls and his off-ball defense was spotty at times, but he was one of a few dudes whose energy led Philadelphia back into the game.