Iguodala scores 25, as 76ers down Pistons

4/10/2008

ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA - Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks got his wish.

Shortly before the 76ers' 101-94 victory over Detroit last night, Cheeks was asked about facing a team that has been resting its starters.

Cheeks laughed and said: "I hope they do."

Having locked up the No. 2 seed in the East, the Pistons once again gave their reserves significant minutes. On the other hand, the game was a meaningful one for the Sixers, who remained in the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, a game ahead of Toronto and a game behind Washington, who both won.

The Sixers snapped a five-game home losing streak to Detroit and split the season series.

Andre Iguodala scored 25 points, hitting a season-high four 3-pointers, and Samuel Dalembert added 20 points and 13 rebounds for Philadelphia.

"We understand that the Pistons were resting some of their players also, but even with that said, it was still a good win for us," Green said.

Iguodala was 7-for-14 from the floor and had six assists, five rebounds and five steals.

"The way he played tonight is the way he has been playing pretty much all season," Cheeks said. "He scores. He defends. He rebounds. He passes the ball."

Chauncey Billups had 18 points to lead Detroit, which already has locked up the No. 2 seed in the East and again gave its reserves significant playing time. Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace all played fewer than 30 minutes and scored in single digits. Richard Hamilton (hip) missed his fifth straight game.

"We want to get out there and get a little rhythm then get out of the way," Billups said. "You try to walk [the young guys] through it, but the best lesson is to do it on your own.

"They're one of the best teams in the league at that," Billups said. "They've got shot-blocks, and they're very athletic. If you're not stopping their fast breaks, you're in trouble."