BOX SCORE
The Sixers admit they have had some tough stretches since beginning the season 20-9. On Tuesday night, however, they knew they had to win. It was a must.
If everyone thought rookie sensation Kyrie Irving was going to be the dominant guard on the floor, they were clearly mistaken. It was the Sixers starting perimeter of Jrue Holiday, Jodie Meeks and Evan Turner who stood out, scoring a combined 62 points as the Sixers handed Cleveland their fourth straight loss, 103-85, at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Sixers were up eight points after one quarter, 14 at the half and the same heading into the final period.
The team picked up its 28th win of the season and is now six games over 500.
Andre Iguodala did not play for a second straight game because of left knee tendonitis.
Turning Point
On Monday, when the Celtics beat the Bobcats in Charlotte, 102-95, Boston had tied the Sixers for the division lead. It was the first time since Jan. 4 that the Sixers did not hold the lead the Atlantic outright.
NBA
The Sixers post the standings in the locker room daily, so everyone can check out the race.
In the Cavaliers, the Sixers beat a team they were supposed to beat, but got a win that again has them in front, even if it is only by a 12 game.
Follow the Leader
Meeks had a career-high 31 points. He shot 7 for 10 from three-point range and 11 for 16 overall.
Doug Collins likened Irving's game to a cross between Chris Paul and Isiah Thomas in that he is a playmaker and a scorer. He will likely win this years Rookie of the Year award. Irving scored eight points in the first quarter on 3-for-5 shooting, but was 1 for 9 the rest of the way finishing with 12 points.
Stat-egic
The Sixers were plus-16 in points off turnovers, plus-30 on points in the paint and plus-11 on fastbreak points.
But the Sixers also set a record for the fewest free throws made or attempted by any team in this building, going 3 for 5 for the game.
Take A Bow
Meeks started 102 consecutive games before Evan Turner replaced him in the lineup 12 games ago. The last two games, he has been asked to start again for the injured Iguodala.
The Sixers fell behind, 5-0, before Meeks scored 10 of the next 12 points to give the Sixers a seven-point lead early.
Lou Williams scored 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting in his first 13 minutes. He grabbed seven rebounds and led the team with seven assists.
Whats Next
The Sixers have a rare two days between games. They will have a light practice Wednesday and then a taped practice for just the second time since Jan. 4 on Thursday before taking a train to Washington D.C. for a Friday game versus the Wizards.
The Sixers have twice beaten the Wizards this season by a combined 44 points. Friday will be the final meeting between the two this year.
John Wall was limited to seven points, three assists, six rebounds and five turnovers in the first meeting. In the next encounter, he scored 19 points, but still had eight turnovers.
The Sixers scored 120 and 103 points, respectively, against Washington, who currently sits at 11-38.
The Sixers are hopeful Iguodala will return for the game.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com