Grizzlies 92, 76ers 84
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Power forward Zach Randolph posted a double-double, and point guard Mike Conley scored a game-high 20 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated Philadelphia 92-84 Sunday at FedExForum, sending the 76ers to their 18th consecutive loss to start the season.
The 76ers tied the NBA's all-time mark for most losses to begin a season, set in 2009 by the New Jersey Nets. It was Philadelphia's 28th consecutive defeat dating back to last season, the longest skid by a team in any major North American sport.
As has happened several times during the streak, the 76ers couldn't hold a fourth-quarter lead. They went up 76-71 on a pair of free throws from guard Isaiah Canaan (team-high 16 points) at the 7:38 mark. However, the Grizzlies (10-8) went on an 18-3 run to go up 89-79 as Jeff Green (13 points) hit a 3-pointer at the 2:22 mark.
After that, the 76ers never made it a one-possession game.
Randolph finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Memphis center Marc Gasol had nine points and 12 rebounds. Forward Matt Barnes chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench for the Grizzlies (10-8).
Memphis gave the 76ers extra opportunities by committing a season-high 26 turnovers, which Philadelphia converted into 28 points. However, the 76ers, who average more turnovers than any team in the NBA, gave the ball away 27 times Sunday, leading to 25 Grizzlies points.
Philadelphia center Jahlil Okafor just missed a double-double, ending up with nine points and 13 rebounds, and forward Robert Covington and Hollis Thompson each scored 12 points.
Memphis shot 42 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from 3-point range (four of 13). The 76ers shot 39 percent from the floor and made 12 of 36 (33.3 percent) from long distance.
The Grizzlies were up 37-31 at halftime after leading by as many as 11 points. Randolph and Barnes led Memphis with seven first-half points, and Canaan and Covington each had six points for the 76ers before the break.
NOTES: Rookie 76ers C Jahlil Okafor was reportedly pulled over on the Ben Franklin Bridge about three weeks ago for driving 108 mph. Okafor also has been involved in two incidents outside night clubs this season. Okafor, 19, issued an apology for the incidents. ... Philadelphia second-year C/F Nerlens Noel did not play Sunday due to right knee soreness. Noel is the team's leading rebounder, averaging 8.4 boards per game. ... Atlanta's 116-101 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum stopped a four-game home winning streak. ... Veteran swingman Vince Carter scored a season-high 14 points off the bench for Memphis in the game with Atlanta and hit four 3-pointers, including a 65-foot heave at the end of the first quarter. It was the longest made basket of Carter's career. ... Sixers coach Brett Brown is impressed with the progress that F Robert Covington is making. Covington began the game second on the team in scoring (13.3 points) and third in rebounding (6.0).