76ers top Lakers, end record streak

Kobe Bryant breezed through the Philadelphia 76ers’ locker room and said to no one in particular, “Keep it going, guys”.

Covington, who made half his 16 shots and went 5-for-11 from 3-point range, echoed Brown in saying it was a relief.

Bryant received a roaring ovation from the crowd during introductions.

“I’m pleased for the city”, Sixers coach Brett Brown said. “I would never whine, ‘Oh, you’re being too hard on me, please stop.’ That wouldn’t even sound like me”.

After the 2005-06 season Bryant changed his number to No. 24 and he won two more championships in 2009 and 2010 wearing that number. After the game the future Hall of Famer said that he wasn’t expecting that reaction or tribute but it was very emotional and he is extremely appreciative.

Bryant, who will end his 20-year career this season, opened the first leg of his farewell tour in his hometown and was feted with the kind of reverence and gratitude normally reserved for a Sixers great.

His high school coach, Gregg Downer, and Erving presented him with his framed Lower Merion jersey before the game. The Sixers were also able to knock down their shots from deep, making three consecutive shots to give them a 66-64 lead.

“To the Mamba”, Iverson said via SportsCenter, “you brought so much out of me like no other player ever has”. Nonetheless he was the best performing player for his team as he top scored for the Lakers, producing 20 points, two assists and five rebounds. There’s a good chance that many teams will be following suit, and extending a thank you to Kobe as well.

Scott signed a four-year, $17 million contract in July 2014, but the Lakers hold a team option for the final year of the deal. “I try not to be”. This time they finished the job after being ahead by 14 with 5½ minutes left against the 2-15 Lakers, who have dropped eight in a row. The highlights shows and the 4-letter word went on endlessly about Kobe Bryant’s every move during the game barely-if at all mentioning Philly ending their 0 for 18 start this basketball season and their 28 game losing streak.

Robert Covington led the Sixers with 23 points.

Washington ended a four-game losing streak in the unlikeliest of places Tuesday, winning 97-85 at Cleveland to send the East-leading Cavaliers to their first home loss.