Sixers Notes: Sixers' bench play has been a plus

Among the most positive developments for the 76ers has been the play of their bench. In Wednesday's 107-94 win at Toronto, the reserves outscored the Raptors' subs, 58-17.

Entering Friday night's game against Memphis at the Wells Fargo Center, the Sixers led the NBA in bench scoring, averaging 39.8 points per game. San Antonio's reserves were second at 34.6.

Against Toronto, four reserves scored in double figures. Marreese Speights led them with 23 points, while Lou Williams scored 15, and Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young each added 10.

"Our team depends on us to come in there and give them a boost, and we accept the challenge with open arms," Williams said after Friday morning's shootaround at the Wells Fargo Center.

Williams entered Friday's game averaging 13.3 points and led NBA reserves with 212 free-throw attempts.

"We take a lot of pride in it, and it's something we are conscious of and know we have to bring to the table in order for us to win basketball games," he said of the bench scoring.

Coach Doug Collins said the bench production has improved as he has learned the strengths of his players.

"Early in the year, I was trying to figure out who these guys were and how they best fit together," Collins said. "Sometimes your guys off the bench can become more valuable for you than if they are a starter just simply by how it all fits."

Memphis guard O.J. Mayo began his 10-game suspension Friday. The NBA announced the suspension on Thursday, after Mayo violated the league and union's antidrug program with a positive test.

He tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In a statement released by the team, Mayo called it an honest mistake.

"I had no idea that the over-the-counter supplement that I took was a substance banned by the NBA," Mayo said.

"Rules are rules, and he didn't pass the drug test and has to pay the consequences," said Memphis coach Lionel Hollins, a former Sixer.

The Nuggets, who have been playing well despite all the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, will visit the Sixers for a 6 p.m. game Sunday. 

The Sixers entered Friday's game averaging the second-fewest turnovers in the NBA, 13.4 per game. They had almost that many in the fourth quarter when they committed 11 of their 22 in a 99-94 loss to Memphis. "It's uncharacteristic of us," Young said.

  - Marc Narducci