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Meeks leads 76ers past Pistons

Jan 7, 2012 - 6:05 AM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Jodie Meeks scored 17 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, leading the 76ers to a 96-73 win over the Pistons in Friday's home-opener.

Spencer Hawes had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers, winners of three straight. Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young added 16 and 15 points, respectively.

"Basketball is an amazing game," said 76ers coach Doug Collins. "I told our guys afterwards, 'You can go from the depths of despair as a player, and in two minutes be back on top of your game. Jodie Meeks was unbelievable tonight and he has really struggled for us early this year. to see him do what he did tonight was so gratifying because he is such a huge part of what we do."

The Pistons, playing without guards Ben Gordon and Rodney Stuckey, were led by Greg Monroe's 22 points. They fell to 0-3 on the road this season. Brandon Knight, Jason Maxiell and Will Bynum each chipped in 10 points.

The Sixers were the final NBA team to open the home portion of their schedule. They began the season with a five-game road trip, going 3-2 over that span.

On Friday, they led for the majority of the game, holding a 43-34 advantage at the half and carrying a 64-56 lead into the fourth. Hawes scored 10 points in the third, but it was Meeks who put the Pistons away.

He personally outscored Detroit, 9-1, sandwiching a pair of treys around a three-point play to give the Sixers a 79-63 lead with a little over seven minutes remaining. Later, he extended the advantage to 20, 90-70, with a deep three, sending the Pistons to their second straight loss.

"They have one of the top three benches in the league," said Pistons coach Lawrence Frank. "Young is game changer and Lou can score with anyone. It's gone from good to great with Evan [Turner's] improvement."

The Sixers improved to 4-2 on the young season. Last year, their fourth win didn't come until game No. 17.

Game Notes

This was the first home game under new 76ers owner Joshua Harris, who purchased the team in July...The Sixers will play 17 of their next 21 games at home. Their five-game road trip to begin the season was the longest in franchise history...Gordon missed the game for personal reasons, while Stuckey was out with a groin strain.