The Sixers (0-17) traveled to Minnesota on Wednesday hoping to end their losing streak and avoid matching the worst start in NBA History set by the 2009 Nets. It was good opportunity to notch a win against an young, injured team. In an offensively challenged game that would come down to the final minutes, the 76ers would outlast the Timberwolves to win their first game, 85-77. It was ugly, but it doesn't matter, its a win!
Philadelphia took control in opening period, starting the game on a 12-4 run and ending on an 11-1 run to enter the 2nd quarter up by 10. The 2nd quarter was a different story with the Sixers only managing 9 points, but they entered halftime only trailing by 2 points.
After an evenly matched 3rd quarter in which the Sixers would regain the lead, the contest would come down to the final minutes of the game. A short-range jumper from MCW with 10 minutes remaining put up and the 76ers would hold a lead (as large as 7) until Mo Williams knocked down a three-pointer to give the Wolves a 75-73 lead with just over 2 minutes left. However, KJ McDaniels would answer right back with a 3 of his own off a Carter-Williams dish. Minnesota would pull within 1 point after a Dieng layup with 1:21 left on the clock. But less than 10 seconds later, Covington would drain a three-pointer. Williams would fail to answer to respond and Noel would add another 2 points to push the Sixers up 83-77 with :46 seconds remaining. Two free-throws from Mbah a Moute would seal it as Philly picked up their first win of the 2014-15 season.
Both teams struggled shooting the ball (Philly 39% FG/64% FT, Minnesota 35.7% FG) and turned the ball over 18 times each. The Sixers dominant in any particular statistic except points off the bench, 32-14.
Michael Carter-Williams almost completed his 4th career double-double, finishing with a game-high 20 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. MCW also had 6 turnovers but who cares, they won! Mbah a Moute scored 12 points and added 9 boards. McDaniels and Covington had a huge impact off the bench. McDaniels ended with 12 points (4-13 FG), collected 9 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots while Covington scored 17 points.
Thad Young (my favorite former Sixer) led Minnesota with 16 points and 6 rebounds while Dieng secured 16 rebounds and added 15 points.
The Sixers play the Thunder on Friday.
By: Matt Ryan
After an evenly matched 3rd quarter in which the Sixers would regain the lead, the contest would come down to the final minutes of the game. A short-range jumper from MCW with 10 minutes remaining put up and the 76ers would hold a lead (as large as 7) until Mo Williams knocked down a three-pointer to give the Wolves a 75-73 lead with just over 2 minutes left. However, KJ McDaniels would answer right back with a 3 of his own off a Carter-Williams dish. Minnesota would pull within 1 point after a Dieng layup with 1:21 left on the clock. But less than 10 seconds later, Covington would drain a three-pointer. Williams would fail to answer to respond and Noel would add another 2 points to push the Sixers up 83-77 with :46 seconds remaining. Two free-throws from Mbah a Moute would seal it as Philly picked up their first win of the 2014-15 season.
Both teams struggled shooting the ball (Philly 39% FG/64% FT, Minnesota 35.7% FG) and turned the ball over 18 times each. The Sixers dominant in any particular statistic except points off the bench, 32-14.
Michael Carter-Williams almost completed his 4th career double-double, finishing with a game-high 20 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. MCW also had 6 turnovers but who cares, they won! Mbah a Moute scored 12 points and added 9 boards. McDaniels and Covington had a huge impact off the bench. McDaniels ended with 12 points (4-13 FG), collected 9 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots while Covington scored 17 points.
Thad Young (my favorite former Sixer) led Minnesota with 16 points and 6 rebounds while Dieng secured 16 rebounds and added 15 points.
The Sixers play the Thunder on Friday.
By: Matt Ryan
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