Sixers have ‘Wright’ pick for Griz

By CLAY BAILEY
Associated Press
MEMPHIS (AP) — Dorell Wright seized the opportunity to step into the starting lineup in place of the injured Jason Richardson and responded with his best scoring performance of the season.
Wright scored 28 points and Spencer Hawes had 20, also a season high, and the Philadelphia 76ers snapped a six-game road losing streak with a 99-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Richardson’s balky lower back allowed Wright to start his fifth game of the season. He connected on 8 of 11 from the field, part of the Sixers shooting 52 percent. Wright hit 5 of 8 from long range as Philadelphia made nine of its 16 shots outside the arc.
“It’s a lot different,” Wright said of the starting role. “That’s what I did the last two years (in Golden State). Coming here, that was one of the things I had to sacrifice, coming off the bench. I’ve been happy with my role. Being able to step up in front for (Richardson) was great. I had the opportunity to make some shots and help the team win. It’s always cool whatever job coach (Doug Collins) wants me to do.”
Thaddeus Young and Jrue Holiday had 13 points each for Philadelphia, Holiday adding nine assists. Nick Young finished with 12 points. Hawes blocked five shots, part of Philadelphia recording a season-high 12 rejections.
Zach Randolph led the Grizzlies with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Marc Gasol had 18 points and eight rebounds. Quincy Pondexter scored 13 and Mike Conley had 10 for Memphis, which lost its second straight.

Published in The Messenger 12.27.12

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