They’re not the most talented group by any stretch of the imagination, but the 76ers play hard, and the Cavaliers found that out as they survived an upset, 87-86 Sunday night at The Q.
Nerlens Noel missed a baby hook over the contested arms of Tristan Thompson that could have given Philadelphia (18-56) the lead with a few seconds left on the clock. That sealed the game for Cleveland (48-27) and the home winning streak was extended to 16.
There was an awful lot of chill mode being played by the Cavaliers. It was by far their ugliest win of the season.
Their sluggish performance in Brooklyn extended into the Sunday’s game. But with all due respect to the 76ers, they came to play. They lead the league in steals, and their length and athleticism forced the Cavaliers into 17 turnovers and held them to 39 percent from the field.
LeBron James couldn’t find the basket, going 8-of-24 from the field to end the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Kyrie Irving was off as well, contributing 17 points on 7-of-18.
Timofey Mozgov (6-of-9 with 14 points and 10 rebounds) and Shawn Marion (1-for-1) were the only two Cavaliers to shoot 50 percent or higher. Cleveland missed its last seven shots.
Philadelphia has lost of four of its last five games.
Robert Covington had 19 points and drained five threes for Philadelphia.
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