Philadelphia showed who was the better team tonight with a convincing 103-85 win over New Orleans. Although not exactly a blowout, Philadelphia coach Bob and his players outplayed New Orleans from start to end. "I was hoping for a better outcome," said New Orleans coach Bob during a post-game interview. "But they just overpowered us, and there was nothing we could do to adjust. Bob's team was more talented and better-prepared, and it would have taken quite a bit of luck for us to overcome that."

The loss was tough on New Orleans fans, who had expected great things from their team after some offseason moves. "I think reality is starting to sink in," said one team. "We didn't expect to see other teams outplaying us this badly, but Philadelphia sure made their point."

Philadelphia was led by Ferguson (19 points, 10 boards, 1 assists, 3 blocks), Williams (17 points, 8 boards, 0 assists, a steal, a block), Eatmon (17 points, 5 boards, 1 assists). New Orleans was led by Gisi (10 points, 12 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Buehler (17 points, 0 assists, a steal, a block), Washington (13 points, 5 boards, 0 assists, a steal).

Philadelphia jump to 34-8. They stay at #1 in the Atlantic and remain at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. New Orleans are now 21-20 and 10-11 at home with this defeat. They hold at #4 in the Southwest and remain at #10 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Philadelphia roster New Orleans roster