76ers beat Timberwolves, avoid worst loss in NBA history

December 3, 2014

The Philadelphia 76ers avoided tying the record for the worst start to a season in NBA history, ending their 0-17 skid with an 85-77 victory over the Timberwolves in Minneapolis last night.

Michael Carter-Williams had 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and Robert Covington added 17 points to keep Philadelphia from tying the 0-18 start by the Nets in 2009-10.

The Sixers shot just 39 percent against the worst defense in the league and turned the ball over 19 times. They scored only nine points in the second quarter, but in the end there were smiles and hugs for the first time this season.

Gorgui Dieng had 15 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves. But Minnesota shot just 35.7 percent and turned the ball over 19 times to lose for the 11th time in 13 games.

Hawks 112, Heat 102: Jeff Teague scored 27 points, Kyle Korver scored 18 and the Atlanta Hawks handed the Miami Heat another home loss.

Dennis Schroder scored 16 and Paul Millsap finished with 14 for the Hawks, who beat the Heat for the second time in two meetings this season.

Dwyane Wade scored 28 points and Chris Bosh finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds for Miami, which has lost six of its last eight home games. Mario Chalmers finished with 19 points and 11 assists for the Heat.

Wizards 111, Lakers 95: Bradley Beal scored 27 points and John Wall had 17 points and 15 assists to lead host Washington.

Kobe Bryant finished with 29 points -- 15 in the first quarter when he shot 6-for-11. He missed nine of his final 11 shots. Former Wizards player Nick Young helped keep the score relatively close by scoring a season-high 21 points.

Marcin Gortat added 21 points and 11 rebounds for Washington.

Bulls 102, Hornets 95: Pau Gasol had 19 points and 15 rebounds and visiting Chicago handed Charlotte its 10th straight loss. Joakim Noah had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Nikola Mirotic added 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls. Kemba Walker had 23 points and Lance Stephenson had 20 to lead the Hornets. -- AP