76ers Finally Win, Beat Bryant, Lakers

With a packed crowd standing and roaring in appreciation, Bryant was lauded like a hometown hero, not the “Hometown Zero” he was once labeled in Philadelphia’s tabloids. However, the Sixers closed out the first half well, trimming Los Angeles’ advantage to eight by halftime. As it is, they share that record with the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets. Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown stared at the scoreboard momentarily with a look as though he were struggling to believe, and the 76ers officially won the game, ending the longest losing streak in the history of major American professional sports. “I had great coaching and also had great teachers”, he said. “When I came out and made three in a row, I could sense, ‘We don’t want to touch him. Obviously, this is a relief on many levels”.

NOTES: Lakers G Kobe Bryant first played against Washington on February 2, 1997, in Los Angeles.

With things finally looking up for the 76ers, Isaiah Canaan (0) is animated as he, Jahlil Okafor and Jerami Grant break for a timeout during Philadelphia’s first victory since March 25.

No. 2 overall draft pick D’Angelo Russell scored 12 points on 5 for 14 shooting with four rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes.

Scott’s fear was realized, as the Sixers began the third quarter with six unanswered points to tie it back up. His offensive rebound with less than two minutes left that turned into free-throws for Jordan Clarkson was key in the Lakers sealing their win in Washington. Bryant scored 20 points in defeat off of 7-for-26 shooting, including a woeful 4-for-17 behind the arc.

Not yet done celebrating the native son born in the “City of Brotherly Love&” back on August 23, 1978, Philadelphia brought out Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Bryant’s high school coach to present the 20-year pro with a framed no. 24 Lower Marion High School jersey at mid-court.

“I can’t stress enough how much he’s meant”, Bryant said. “I try not to be”.

Bryant hit his first two shots from three-point distance, and three of his first four on the way to scoring his team’s first 11 points. In all, he scored 13 points in the game’s first 7:33, 16 in the first half.