The Sixers appear to be getting closer to their first win of the season.
As long as they don’t have to deal with LaMarcus Aldridge.
The Sixers did a lot of good things on Monday, but Aldridge proved too much to overcome in a 114-104 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Sixers committed a season-low 10 turnovers, and they shot a season high 83.3 percent at the foul line (20 for 24).
Still, the Sixers fall to 0-14 on the season, one loss shy of the franchise record for losses to start a season.
Turning point
Giving up 39 third-quarter points was the Sixers’ downfall. It was the most points allowed by the Sixers in that quarter this year.
NBA
The Sixers led at halftime for only the second time this season, 52-50, before watching it evaporate in the third as Portland shot 62.5 percent.
Follow the leader
Aldridge had his fifth straight double-double with 33 points and 11 rebounds. He also added three assists.
Damian Lillard contributed 16 points for the Blazers.
The Sixers had four players finish with double figures in scoring. Michael Carter-Williams scored a season-high 24 points, though he took 24 shots to reach that total.
Tony Wroten had 20 points and nine assists, while Henry Sims chipped in with 22 points.
Stat-egic
Portland's strength is one of the Sixers' weaknesses. The Trail Blazers are the No. 1 rebounding team in the league and the Sixers give up the most rebounds to their opponents.
The Blazers manhandled the Sixers on the glass, outrebounding them 52-29.
Take a bow
Nerlens Noel did not participate in Monday's shootaround because he had a stomach virus. If he still felt bad at game time, Noel hid it well.
Noel provided 12 points on 6 of 7 shooting off the bench. He also had five rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
What's next?
The Brooklyn Nets come to the Wells Fargo Center on Thanksgiving eve with a 5-8 record.
Deron Williams leads Brooklyn in scoring and assists with 18.5 and 6.4 a game, respectively.
The Sixers need to keep an eye on Joe Johnson, who in one game last season against Brett Brown's squad shot 10 for 14 from three-point range to finish with 37 points.