Detroit overcame a great game by Simmons, beating Philadelphia 96-90. "It's a team sport," said losing coach Bob. "If we had another couple players like Simmons out there, we'd have won this game easily. But we didn't, so we didn't." Bob has been under fire lately, and the lackluster performance by his players (save Simmons) certainly doesn't improve his job security any.

The normally-quiet Simmons was less than satisfied after the game. "I feel betrayed - like I did my best and my teammates didn't. I don't know if it was coach's fault for not getting the team up, or if the other players just all had an off day at the same time. But this was a close game, we had our chances, and we didn't execute when we needed."

Detroit was led by Degraff (25 points, 0 assists, 3 steals, a block), Lacroix (21 points, 0 assists, a steal, a block), White (12 points, 13 boards, 0 assists, a block). Philadelphia was led by Simmons (19 points, 13 boards, 2 assists, a block), Roberson (9 points, 15 assists, 3 steals), Garcia (28 points, 6 boards, 1 assists).

Detroit stand at 46-32 and 25-13 at home. They remain at #2 in the Central and move up to #5 overall in the Eastern Conference. With the defeat, Philadelphia drop to 45-33. They stay at #2 in the Atlantic and fall to #7 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Philadelphia roster