– The Philadelphia 76ers took another step towards returning to the playoffs while damaging Houston’s post-season ambitions in a 108-97 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday. Philadelphia, under first year coach Doug Collins, have enjoyed a resurgence and are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 39-36 record. They won just 27 games last season.
“That’s the goal, to keep getting better from here on out,” said 76ers forward Elton Brand. “We’re one step closer. We really wanted to get this win.”
Guard Jrue Holiday recorded 24 points and 12 assists, Thaddeus Young added 22 points and the 76ers put the game out of reach with a 14-4 run in the fourth that gave them a 102-90 lead with 2:32 remaining.
Houston (39-36) fell three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Kyle Lowry had 19 points and Kevin Martin added 18 but the Rockets slipped up after having won six of their previous seven games.
“You lose and then you’re hoping other teams lose,” Martin said. “We’ve got seven more games left and we have to make the best of it.”
Houston built a 76-70 lead late in the third before Philadelphia turned the momentum and grabbed a two-point lead by the end of the quarter, which they held to the end of the game.
Philadelphia started the season with a record of 3-13 but have turned things around with a complete team effort. Lou Williams came off the bench to score 15 points while starter Andre Iguodala made 10 assists and their defence held the Rockets to just 41 percent shooting from the field.