Adrian Fedkiw
The Orlando Magic led for all of 1.4 seconds.
The final 1.4 seconds.
Serge Ibaka knocked down a pair of go-ahead free throws with 1.4 left and the Magic edged the Philadelphia 76ers 103-101 on Tuesday night in a battle of winless teams.
Sixers center Joel Embiid turned the ball over at the top of the key with 5.7 ticks on the clock and T.J. McConnell was whistled for a flagrant foul on Ibaka’s layup attempt after a loose ball landed right to him near the basket.
Philadelphia led by as many 18 in the first half and raced out to a 10-0 advantage, but are now 0-3 on the young season.
Joel Embiid, despite two turnovers in the final minute, impressed again, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. The Cameroonian had been on a 20-minute restriction the first two games, but that was raised to 24 on Tuesday. He will not play Wednesday night when the Sixers travel to Charlotte and clash with the Hornets. You can watch all 24 minutes he played below.
Dario Saric, just 4-of-21 from the field coming in, had his best game as a Sixer. He had 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting.
Hollis Thompson posted 22 points and seven rebounds, Gerald Henderson netted 18 and Sergio Rodriguez added 12 points and 11 assists for Philly.
Former Sixer Nik Vucevic recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead Orlando, which improved to 1-3. Ibaka finished with 21 points and Elfrid Payton tallied 18 points and 10 helpers.
Philadelphia opened up a 55-37 lead following an 11-2 run late in the second quarter before settling for a 57-43 margin at the break. A 13-4 Magic swing clawed them within 74-72 a little past the midway point of the third and they trailed 87-84 heading into the final frame.