Sixers Losing Streak Reaches 7

         The 76ers traveled to the windy city to play the Bulls Thursday night and once again failed to win on the road. Both teams have played without their centerpiece player all season, but the Bulls are still in the playoff picture where as the Sixers are sinking fast. This match up featured Philadelphia with the lowest scoring offense in the league facing Chicago with the 3rd best defense in terms of opponent's points per game.

          It was a close game throughout the whole first half as the lead changed multiple times. The Sixers trailed by only 1 after first quarter and came out much better compared to the awful loss to Magic on Tuesday. The problem for Philly was giving up far too many offensive rebounds and put backs all game long to the Bulls.
The 76ers trailed 45-39 at halftime and would never regain the lead in the second half. The Bulls pulled away in the 3rd, leading by double digits for most of the quarter as the Sixers struggled on offense. Jrue got hot during the end of the 3rd and the deficit was cut to single digits at times in the 4th quarter, but the valiant effort was not enough. The Bulls would win it 93-82.
         The Sixers' defense held Chicago to 38.6% shooting but the Bulls grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, 9 in the first half alone. Joakim Noah was a beast all game long on both ends of the court. He had a triple-double with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and 11, I say again, 11 blocks. It seems like every game the Sixers allow one opponent to absolutely dominate the boards, but that's what happens when there is no defensive anchor in the paint. Boozer had a double-double for the Bulls with 21 points and 12 rebounds. For the Sixers both Jrue and Spencer Hawes had commendable games. Spencer Hawes played much better and had 20 points and 15 rebounds, a better effort than his 1 rebound against Orlando. Holiday was improved offensively in this game, scoring 22, but he also had 4 of the teams 11 turnovers.
            It isn't much of a surprise that the Sixers were once again unable to win on the road. They're 6-19 when away from home and they now drop to 12 games under .500 for the season. Although they lost, Philly played better and actually showed effort against a tough opponent as compared to their embarrassing loss to the Magic. But a loss is a loss. Their losing streak has officially reached 7 and they are the furthest they've ever been under .500 since Doug Collins joined the team. The Sixers play the Warriors at home on Saturday. The Jrue Holiday/ Steph Curry match up should be fun to watch as both guards are having breakout seasons.