Sixers beat Laker to end losing streak, Gasol leads Grizzlies
The Philadelphia 76ers snapped their 18-game losing streak to start the NBA season, trumping the Los Angeles Lakers 103-91 in Kobe Bryant’s homecoming.
Philadelphia matched the worst start in the league’s history heading into Tuesday’s hosting of the Lakers.
But the Sixers snapped their 28-game losing streak, the longest run without a win in major U.S. professional sports, spanning back to last season, thanks to Robert Covington as the franchise won for the first time since March 25.
Covington led all scorers with 23 points for the Sixers.
“I’m pleased for the city,” Sixers coach Brett Brown said. “We don’t want this streak continuing.”
Bryant’s return to his native Philadelphia was an unsuccessful one on the court, despite the retiring Lakers star scoring 20 points.
Marc Gasol had a career-best night as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104.
Gasol posted 38 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to back-to-back wins.
Zach Randolph (14), Matt Barnes (13), Courtney Lee (13), Mike Conley (11) and Mario Chalmers (11) also had double-digit points for the Grizzlies.
The Pelicans were led by Tyreke Evans and his 20 points and 10 assists.
In other results, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost for the first time at home this season.
The Cavaliers came unstuck against the Washington Wizards and John Wall, who hit a season-high 35 points.
LeBron James’ double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds was not enough for the Cavs.
The Orlando Magic posted their fourth consecutive win thanks to a 96-93 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Brook Lopez helped the Brooklyn Nets past the Phoenix Suns 94-91, while the Dallas Mavericks edged the Portland Trail Blazers 115-112 after overtime.
