Jodie Meeks’ career night lifts Philadelphia 76ers past Cleveland Cavaliers for 103 – 85 win – NBA Recap
The Philadelphia 76ers secured an important win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday with a comfortable 103 – 85 score line. The Sixers were in the ascendency for much of the game at the Wells Fargo Center and the win will strengthen their chances of
making the playoffs.
Jodie Meeks was the catalyst behind Philadelphia’s strong display. Meeks scored a career high 31 points to leave the Cavaliers shell shocked and the crowd jubilant. The Cavs weren’t the only ones surprised by Meeks big night.
"I don't think anyone in the building expected Jodie to go for 31," said Rod Thorn, Sixers General Manager. "But he played great tonight, didn't he? Darned near broke the game open himself. But I tell you what. We'll take that every night the rest of the
way.”
"I just know I was open," Meeks said. "I was relaxed and just shot. I haven't been shooting as well. But I just tried to take good shots. Any time a shooter sees the ball go in the hole, it gives him confidence."
His partner in the backcourt, Jrue Holiday, was the other force behind Philadelphia’s victory, scoring 19 points and dishing out 6 assists. Evan Turner scored 12 while Louis Williams came off the bench for 11 points, 7 assists and the same number of rebounds.
The Cavs had a rough night. Rookie sensation Kyrie Irving managed 12 points and seven assists, Anthony Parker top scored with 14 while Antawn Jamison and Alonzo Gee both netted 13 apiece.
Cleveland went up 5 – 0 from jump ball before the Sixers launched into a 12 – 0 rally that took them to 12 – 5. From then on the 76ers were usually ahead in the first quarter and finished off at 29 – 21.
A 7 – 0 burst early in the second frame saw Philadelphia consolidating their position, going up 38 – 25. They maintained the double digit cushion till the end of the first half, going into the break leading at 57 – 43.
Cavaliers were much better after the interval. They played with more fire in their belly and looked sharper all around the court. The impact though was not felt on the score card as Philadelphia matched them throughout the third segment, ending it still
in control at 82 – 68.
The double digit margin proved too much for the Cavs in the final 12 minutes. They couldn’t even cut it down to single figures, let alone overcome it. In fact, the gap widened to 20 points near the end, 101 – 81, and the game finally ended at 103 – 85.
Tags: