December 01, 2015
1-18 it is. The Philadelphia 76ers got their first win of the season on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, 103-91.
Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game in his hometown was the story that brought a sizable group of national media to South Philly, but the 2-14 (2-15, now) Lakers provided Brett Brown’s team with a golden opportunity to pick up their first victory. The Sixers, who played competitive basketball on their last road trip, seized that opportunity.
Trailing by eight points at halftime after a lethargic early effort, the Sixers slapped together a 30-17 third quarter to seize the lead. Some typical Philadelphia late-game struggles helped Los Angeles whittle down the lead to eight points, but consecutive late baskets by Hollis Thompson and Jahlil Okafor put things out of reach.
Robert Covington led the Sixers with 23 points on 8-16 shooting (5-11 from deep) while Jerami Grant chipped in with 14 points (6-7 shooting) 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. Grant was all over the place in the second half, playing like a man possessed.
Bryant made three early triples, but it was brick city from there. He finished with 20 points on a brutal 7-26 effort from the field (4-17 from deep!). We will have much more coverage throughout the night, so make sure to check back at some point.
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