Sixers Notebook: Third-quarter struggles again hamstring in loss to Pistons

Sixers Notebook: Third-Quarter Struggles Again Hamstring in Loss to Pistons

On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers used a strong performance from their reserves, averaging plus-7, to build a halftime lead. However, their starters surrendered that advantage in the third quarter. It was the latest case in a recurring issue this season for the Sixers, who fell 111-108 to the Detroit Pistons.

Third quarters have consistently been a weak spot for the team. Despite solid overall play leading to a 6-4 record—considering several back-to-backs and lingering injuries—the pattern of losing control after halftime has been costly.

“I think it’s just basketball,” coach Nick Nurse said. “If you’re watching other games, too, you see it go back and forth. It’s basketball.”

On Sunday, the Sixers’ 10-point halftime lead disappeared after being outscored 34-21 in the third quarter. They briefly extended their cushion to 79-66 before Detroit, led by Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham, seized momentum and ended the period ahead 88-85.

This isn’t an isolated issue. The Sixers currently average a minus-8.8 point differential in the third quarter—the worst in the NBA. When adjusted per 100 possessions, the numbers underscore the problem: fifth in offensive rating (120.1), 22nd in defensive rating (116.1), and 10th in net rating (plus-4.1). But specifically in third quarters, they rank last in offensive rating at 92.5.

Author Summary

The 76ers’ persistent third-quarter struggles continue to derail strong starts, highlighting a clear area for improvement in an otherwise promising season start.

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The Morning Call The Morning Call — 2025-11-10

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