76ers end losing streak vs. Lakers

LOS ANGELES — The Philadelphia 76ers’ historic and agonizing losing streak finally ended Tuesday as Kobe Bryant suffered more defeat with the Los Angeles Lakers in his first road match since announcing his plans to retire. One more defeat for the Sixers Tuesday — 0-18 heading into the game — would have given them sole possession of the record for the worst start to a season in NBA history. They had already set a record for the longest losing streak in the history of the NBA, with 28 defeats stretching over last season and the current campaign. But a 23-point haul from forward Robert Covington laid the foundation for a deserved 103-91 Sixers victory as Bryant and the Lakers tumbled to 2-15, the worst record in the Western Conference. Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel added 14 points apiece while rookie Jahlil Okafor was one of three Philadelphia players to finish with 12 points. Bryant meanwhile was the top scorer for the Lakers, producing 20 points, two assists and five rebounds. Elsewhere Tuesday, the Washington Wizards stunned LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 97-85 upset in Ohio. John Wall led the way with 35 points, 10 assists and four rebounds as the Wizards improved to 7-8, easing pressure on beleaguered coach Randy Wittman. It was the Cavs’ first home defeat of the season following a 9-0 start to the campaign at the Quicken Loans Arena. James scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Cleveland but committed nine turnovers, part of an overall tally of 19, just short of their season-high 21 set in a double-overtime loss. Nets 94, Suns 91: Brook Lopez scored 23 points and reserve guards Shane Larkin and Wayne Ellington each scored 11 as the Brooklyn Nets got their fourth straight home win, a 94-91 come-from-behind victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Barclays Center. The win was the second straight for the Nets (5-13), the first time this season they have won consecutive games. The loss was the fifth in six games for the Suns (8-10). Grizzlies 113, Pelicans 104: Marc Gasol scored a career-high 38 points, including all 16 free throw attempts, and grabbed 13 rebounds to power the Memphis Grizzlies to a 113-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Gasol hit back-to-back jumpers to give Memphis (11-8) a 105-95 lead with 5:15 left. The Pelicans cut into the deficit, pulling within 107-102 on consecutive three-pointers by guards Norris Cole and Tyreke Evans with 2:53 left. Magic 96, Timberwolves 93: Nikola Vucevic was one of six players in double figures for the Orlando Magic in a 96-93 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Minnesota scored the first basket of the game but was never able to regain the lead. Mavericks 115, Trail Blazers 112 (OT): Deron Williams scored nine of his season-high 30 points in overtime as the Dallas Mavericks stole a 115-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.