The Sixers (1-18) avoided another embarassing record yesterday by earning their first win in 28 tries. A loss would have put them in the history books as the NBA team with the worst start to a season. They won't be able to enjoy their victory as they head to Madison Sqaure Garden tonight for a matchup with the Knicks (8-10) for the second half of a back-to-back. This morning, more concerning news surfaced about Sixers center Jahlil Okafor, who was allegedly involved in a second altercation back on November 25th in Boston. The Philadelphia rookie will have to put his off-court issues aside tonight as he squares off against fellow rookie center for the Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis.
Up until last night, it had been eight months, March 25th, 2015 to be exact, since the Sixers won a basketball game. It was an exciting night inside the confines of Wells Fargo Center with Kobe Bryant making his last appearance in Philadelphia after announcing his retirement, honoring Sixers great Moses Malone, but most importantly the Sixers nabbing their first win. Prior to their 103-91 win against the Lakers, Philadelphia had fourth quarter leads in five out of six games on their recent road trip. While those slipped away with sloppy ball control and bad shots, last night was a different story as the Sixers would't budge, playing phenomenal defense en route to their first victory down the stretch. Robert Covington, who is really coming into his own, led Sixers scorers with 23 points. Nerlens Noel came off the bench, playing for the first time in two games thanks to right knee tendinitis, and scored 14 points while also grabbing nine rebounds. Jerami Grant had 14 as well to go along with four blocks.
The Knicks are on a losing streak of their own. Since completing a 107-102 win against the Rockets on November 22nd to move to 8-6, they've lost four straight, including two against the Miami Heat. The Knicks most recently coughed up a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter (sounds familiar) at home against Houston, only to lose in overtime. Rockets Trevor Ariza broke the tie in the extra period with 1:14 to go, leading Houston to a 116-111 win. Aaron Afflalo scored 31 for the Knicks, who were without Carmelo Anthony. Rookie center Kristaps Porzingis scored 20 and tallied 13 rebounds as well.
Game Notes:
- A loss tonight would give the Sixers a 1-19 record, the worst start through 20 games in the NBA since the 2009-10 Nets
- The Sixers have won just one out of the last six meetings with the Knicks, including three straight losses at Madison Square Garden
- Nerlens Noel had 23 points and 14 rebounds in Philadelphia's lone win against New York last season
- Jahlil Okafor continues to lead rookies in scoring with 19.2 points per game while Knicks center Kristaps Porzingis leads the class in rebounds with 9.4 per game
- Porzingis is averaging 17.0 points and 11.6 boards over his last five games and notched his eighth double-double of the season in New York's loss to Houston
- Carmelo Anthony, who has been sidelined due to illness, is slated to return tonight against the Sixers
- For the first time since joining the NBA, Jerami Grant will face his brother Jerian, who is a member of the Knicks
- Sixers guard Tony Wroten could return to the Sixers in as little as 8-10 days, according to CSNPhilly.com
Lineups:
Sixers
PG– Isaiah Canaan- 11.6 ppg. 1.8 apg
SG- Jakarr Sampson- 5.7 ppg. 2.5 rpg
SF- Robert Covington- 13.1 ppg. 3.6 spg
PF- Jerami Grant- 10.3 ppg. 5.0 rpg
C- Nerlens Noel - 10.4 ppg. 8.5 rpg
Injuries- Tony Wroten (right ACL tear, out), Kendall Marshall (right ACL tear, out), Joel Embiid (broken right foot, out),
Carl Landry (torn ligament right wrist, out)
Knicks
PG – Jose Calderon - 7.9 ppg. 3.3 apg
SG – Arron Afflalo - 13.2 ppg. 2.1 apg
SF – Carmelo Anthony - 22.1 ppg. 7.3 rpg
PF – Kristaps Porzingis - 13.7 ppg. 9.3 rpg
C – Robin Lopez - 7.4 ppg. 6.2 rpg
Injuries: None
Game Information:
Tip-off: 7:30pm
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
TV: CSN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
