The Sixers stuck to their early-season script on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers with one important wrinkle.
The Sixers fell behind yet again in the first quarter before roaring back to secure a 94-79 win over the Cavs. The Sixers improved their record to 4-2 with the victory.
There was a distinct difference in the club’s defense in this game, as the Sixers held their opponents to under 100 points for the first time this season. They also allowed the Cavs to shoot just 33.3 percent from the field and recorded eight blocks in the matchup.
Andrew Bynum got a Philadelphia welcome throughout the 18 minutes he played in his return to the Wells Fargo Center, hearing boos and various chants. Bynum finished with four points and five rebounds.
Turning point
The Sixers outscored the Cavaliers, 33-19, in the third quarter to lead by 16 heading into the final 12 minutes. They shot 58 percent from the floor in the third, while holding the Cavs to 30 percent shooting. The Sixers committed just two turnovers in that period.
Follow the leader
Evan Turner continues to lead the Sixers’ offensive charge. He entered Friday night averaging 22.2 points shooting 55.1 percent from the floor.
NBA
Turner scored 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting against the Cavs. He had his first double-double of the season by adding 10 rebounds. A year ago, Turner had 14 double-doubles for the season.
Thaddeus Young had a terrific bounce-back game. After struggling Wednesday night against the Wizards, Young scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Stat-egic
Kyrie Irving has the capability of taking over a game and he went relatively unnoticed Friday night.
The All-Star point guard came into the game averaging 18 points and seven assists. Irving scored just 10 points and dished out nine assists in Friday’s loss.
Take a bow
Tony Wroten had scored double figures in four of five games before facing the Cavs. He kept that solid play going Friday by scoring 18 points in the game with 13 coming in the first half.
Wroten played 21 minutes in the win. A year ago, Wroten appeared in 35 games for Memphis and only played more than 20 minutes twice.
What’s next?
The Sixers and Cavaliers will face off again on Saturday night in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have won their only two home games thus far. Meanwhile, the Sixers have played just once away from the Wells Fargo Center, a win over the Wizards in Washington.