The 76ers, whose last victory came last season on March 25, 2015 when they defeated the Denver Nuggets, have snapped an National Basketball Association record of 28 consecutive losses, bridging the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons, and an 18-game losing streak to start the current year.
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Asked what he loves about Philadelphia fans, Bryant gave Action News a quick response Tuesday morning.
Downer and Julius Erving were part of the pregame ceremony, handing Bryant a Lower Merion jersey.
“I’ve seen the stat that since ’07 either he has or I’ve been in the Finals, but we’ve never matched up”, James said. In 1996, the Sixers had the first pick and chose Allen Iverson.
Sixers center Jahlil Okafor has sparked concerns beyond his defense.
Bryant – third on the list for total points scored in the National Basketball Association – played in the Finals from 2008 to 2010.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott also spoke, saying, “He kind of shocked me when he told me”. They say thank you for the inspiration, thank you for the lessons, the mentality.
Bryant’s return to his native Philadelphia was an unsuccessful one on the court, despite the retiring Lakers star scoring 20 points.
With courtside seats already purchased for Sunday’s Pistons game, Slay said his goal is to eventually meet Bryant.
In a reference to the sorry state of the entire Philly sports scene, one fan held a sign that read, “Why Can’t Chip Kelly Retire Instead”. Either Bryant or James has appeared in every finals since 2007, but the two men never met. All three were hit with technical fouls. “I mean I’m glad I don’t have to face him anymore but you hate to see him go”. When the game ended, the crowd could be heard chanting “Kobe, Kobe” and Bryant acknowledged the cheers and love showering down from the rafters. 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 Lakers still 32 road games remaining on the schedule, let the show begin!
Easily the second greatest shooting guard of all time after Michael Jordan, Kobe personified the competing spirit that it takes to be one of the greatest ever. Malone, who died in September at 60, was the NBA Finals MVP in 1983 when he led the Sixers to the title.
“It’s going to be attractive”, Bryant has said about playing in his hometown of Philadelphia during his post-game retirement press conference on Sunday night.
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Grant had four blocked shots, Noel had nine rebounds, T.J. McConnell had six assists.
