If you are a fan of the tank, tonight was your night. If you want the Philadelphia 76ers to be the absolute worst team in the NBA and get as many ping pong balls into the hopper as possible, tonight was your night.
First, let’s not burry the lede: the Sixers tied the NBA record for most consecutive losses. Their 26th consecutive one, this time to the Houston Rockets 120-98, matched the Cleveland Cavilers’ record for the most losses without a win.
James Harden set the tone early and put the Rockets ahead 35-21 on an and-one to hit what was about to unfold over four quarters. Though the Sixers cut it close and actually tied it midway through the fourth quarter were tied with a three. Anderson, who had 36 in the last meeting against Houston, finished with 30 points for the second time in his career.
A 57-30 run in the Rockets’ favor quickly put an end to any dreams of the streak ending. Harden had a solid end to his night, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. His triple-double was the sixth against Philadelphia this season.
Anderson led the Sixers with 30 points and both Henry Sims and Thaddeus Young reached double figures as well. Playing in only his second game back from an ankle injury, Dwight Howard scored a quick double-double, 17 and 13, in only 26 minutes and really dominated inside.
One positive for the 76ers was the way Michael Carter-Williams stepped up after the game and gave his teammates a voice of encouragement. He told them to keep their heads up.
"During the game a couple of guys had long faces … and I found myself a little bit down," said Carter-Williams, who had 10 assists. "I just don't want anyone in this locker room feeling bad for themselves … I think that's really important that we don't get down on ourselves and we just give up just because we have a certain amount of losses. I just felt like I needed to speak my piece and make sure that guys are upbeat every single day."
Head Coach Brett Brown was very impressed with his rookie’s leadership, saying he would not have spoke up two months ago. The 76ers have not won in two months, so even in times of major struggle, they manage to grow, specifically their point guard of the future.
And Sixers fans, they still are not the worst team in the league thanks to the Bucks’ loss to the Lakers, which of course helps the tank machine.
