Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY SportsMichael Carter-Williams (right) scored a team-high 20 points in Philadelphia's first win this season.For the first time this season, the Philadelphia 76ers emerged victorious, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 85-77 on the road. Entering Wednesday, the Sixers were 0-17, one loss shy of tying the worst start to a season in NBA history, held by 2009-10 New Jersey Nets. Here’s how the game unfolded for Philadelphia.
The night opened with the best opening quarter of the season for the 76ers. They allowed 13 points in the first quarter, the fewest they've allowed in any quarter this season. The 76ers held a 10-point lead after the first quarter for the first time this season.
In fact, the 10-point lead was Philadelphia’s largest lead after any quarter this season. It went 25 straight games without leading by double digits after the first quarter.
The 76ers led by double digits for more than seven minutes in the first half, after leading by double digits for only four minutes total this season entering Wednesday.
Longest Losing Streaks
To Begin a Season in NBA History
Philadelphia held a lead entering the fourth quarter for just the third time this season. In the end, the Sixers closed it out to record their fifth win in their past 54 games. The win also marked their first win in their past 24 games against Western Conference opponents.
Reigning rookie of the year Michael Carter-Williams was the shining star for Philadelphia. He scored 20 points to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists in 43 minutes of work, the team’s leader (outright or tied) in all four categories. He's averaging a triple-double over his past three games (20.7 PPG, 10.7 APG, 10.3 RPG).
Where do the 76ers go from here? They are the fourth team ever to lose at least 17 straight games to begin a season. None of the previous three teams won more than 15 games by season's end (1988-89 Heat went 15-67).
