On an evening celebrating Allen Iverson’s memorable moments, the Sixers put together a forgettable first half performance against the Lakers.
The Sixers’ early deficit was too much. The Lakers began the game on a 13-0 outburst and led by 14 in the first quarter. The Sixers scored just 40 points in the first half and trailed by 13 at halftime.
In spite of a second half push, in which they ended the third on a 9-0 run and cut the Lakers’ lead to seven late with two minutes to play, the Sixers lost 100-89 on Allen Iverson Hall of Fame Night.
More lineup experimentation
Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid started together for the second game in a row. Embiid looked more active than in Wednesday’s game (which was not very active), but the pairing clearly remains a work in progress (See their numbers below). Brown reverted back to a one-center lineup in the second half when they made their comeback attempt.
Brown continued to shift players, utilizing Dario Saric at small forward with two bigs and then at power forward in a small lineup with Ersan Ilyasova at center.
Philadelphia 76ers
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Inside the stats
Julius Randle led all scorers with 25 points (double his season average), nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and five turnovers.
Former Sixer Lou Williams dropped 18 off the bench, along with three assists and four steals.
Starting guards Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell scored 15 points apiece for the Lakers.
On the Sixers' end, Embiid led the team with 15 points (5 for 14 from the field).
Ersan Ilyasova recorded a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
Okafor contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Robert Covington also scored 14 points (in spite of going 0 for 6 from long range) and six rebounds.
The Sixers made a season-low two three-pointers in the first half. They shot 6 for 31, also a season-low 19.4 percent, on the night.
Noel returns at home
Noel made his home season debut, playing at the Wells Fargo Center for the first time since April 10. He played just eight minutes and scored two points with five rebounds. Noel, who has been outspoken with his displeasure of the Sixers' crowded frontcourt, received cheers from the crowd when he checked into the game.
Simmons joins team again
Ben Simmons sat with the Sixers on the bench for the second time. He drew a crowd of picture-takers when he stood on the sidelines watching pregame warmups.
Simmons watching pregame warmups on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/bH2PjGAPAj— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) December 17, 2016
Injury updates
Hollis Thompson was ruled out for the game with right knee soreness.
Up next
The Sixers will have a shot at another sub.-500 team on Sunday when the 7-18 Nets come to town.
