Pistons get embarrassed by 76ers in 114-78 rout

In a game that was well over before halftime, the Detroit Pistons (20-17) were trounced by the Philadelphia 76ers (19-19) 114-78 on Friday night. Ben Simmons took control early and never looked back. He finished 17 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 14 points on 5 of 12 shooting.

The good news? That’s over with.

The bad news? Well, where would you like to start?

Nothing went right for the Detroit Pistons on Friday, who were blasted by the Philadelphia 76ers 114-78 at the Wells Fargo Center. Andre Drummond‘s decision to play with bruised ribs, though valiant, ultimately made no difference.

Ben Simmons drove through the lane with ease, hitting floater after floater. Joel Embiid was unstoppable in the high post. J.J. Redick excelled in his catch-and-shoot opportunities.

And Detroit could only watch as “The Process” unfolded in unapologetic fashion.

The Pistons trailed 32-15 after the first quarter.

As for the second quarter? It might as well have been the second half, because the outcome had already been decided. Philadelphia held the Pistons to a season-low 32 points in the first 24 minutes of play.

Detroit’s offense never seemed to click. The ball movement and spacing they’d shown earlier in the season was nowhere to be found. When someone did make the occasional basket cut, the opportunity was wasted by a bad pass.

Without knowing the score, one would’ve thought that the 76ers were the team trailing by double digits. They continued to scrap and claw on every possession. A Simmons fast break jam late in the second quarter could serve as a microcosm for the night.

Drummond had a respectable contest, considering the circumstances. He posted 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists. The big man showed plenty of heart in a game where he could’ve sat out.

Tobias Harris led the Pistons in scoring with 14 points. Detroit shot 38 percent from the floor, and 32 percent from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, all five Philadelphia starters finished in double figures. The 76ers shot 49 percent on the night, including a 47 percent tally from three. They’re now 3-0 against the Pistons this season.

Stan Van Gundy and his team will have to bounce back quickly. They’re back in action tomorrow night against the Houston Rockets at Little Caesars Arena. Houston will be without All Star point guard James Harden, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.