76ers equal National Basketball Association record losing streak

The 0-16 Philadelphia 76ers led by as many 11 points in the fourth quarter, leading the boo birds to emerge at TD Garden in the early stages of the period. That tied their own record for the longest losing streak in US professional sports, which they set during their 2013-14 season. They are two losses away from tying the then New Jersey Nets’ NBA-worst mark of 18 losses to open a season. “I was pissed at myself – pissed at everybody for the most part”. That’s about all the consolation coach Brett Brown’s squad can have after another display of undeniably terrible basketball. Evan Turner scored 12 of his 16 points in the second half and had nine rebounds.

VINE OF THE NIGHT: Even tall guys can get blocked, just ask Nerlens Noel. “You’re getting so close to that first W. We got to do a better job of closing out games”.

The only Philadelphia points in the final 6:18 came on an old-fashioned three-point play by rookie center Jahlil Okafor that gave the Sixers an 80-75 lead with 2:51 left.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, LeBron James scored 24 points to pass another points milestone but it was not enough to prevent the Cleveland Cavaliers tumbling to a 103-99 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

The 76ers led heading into the final minutes, but were overhauled by a late rally from the Celtics, who scraped home 84-80 as Philadelphia’s miserable campaign continued. Crowder’s three-pointer from the top of the key capped the spree.

The Celtics knew how frustrating it would have been to lose.

Simmons has been gaining notoriety across the nation with his play so far this season and many in the media see him as the next number one pick.

Houston has lost three straight to drop to 5-10 overall and 1-3 since coach Kevin McHale was sacked and replaced by J.B. Bickerstaff. “There’s no excuse for that”, former Celtics guard Phil Pressey said. “He emphasized to them how proud he was watching them, because we’re hitting all four of those values”.

Hornets, coach agree to extension • The Charlotte Hornets and coach Steve Clifford agreed in principle to a multiyear contract extension. The team did not release financial terms.

“I think they are going to get a lot of great experience from it, of course”, said of the process. “I like it here”.