Instant Replay: Rockets 120, Sixers 98

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HOUSTON -- As expected, the 76ers didn’t give the Houston Rockets much of a game on Thursday at Toyota Center. The Sixers' youthful, inexperienced roster couldn’t keep with the likes of James Harden and Dwight Howard, losing 120-98.

With the loss, the 76ers tied the NBA's single-season record for most consecutive defeats at 26, matching the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Sixers' last win was on Jan. 29 at Boston when Evan Turner, who is no longer with the team, made a buzzer-beating layup.

The Sixers have lost 12 straight road games. Since winning a season-high four games, the Sixers are 3-36.

Turning point
After the 76ers tied the game 43-43 on a reverse layup by James Anderson, a Howard alley-oop dunk from Jeremy Lin gave the Rockets a 45-43 lead with 5:59 remaining in the second quarter. After Anderson’s basket, the Rockets outscored the Sixers 20-6 to take a 63-49 halftime advantage.

Follow the leader
Anderson had a good shooting night for the 76ers with a game-high 30 points, making six three-pointers. Thaddeus Young added 15 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers.

Harden had an outstanding overall game, collecting 26 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in only three quarters. Howard had 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Stat-egic
The Sixers took 36 three-pointers, making 14.

Through three quarters, the Rockets had 30 points off the break, matching their season-high in fast-break points. They ended up with 34 fast-break points.

Take a bow
The Rockets’ excellent ball movement was something the youthful 76ers can look at as an example of what it takes to win in the NBA. If the remainder of the season is to be used as a learning tool for the 76ers, they should look at the Rockets as a model.

Early exit
Rockets starting point guard Pat Beverley left the game in the first quarter with a right knee sprain and did not return.

What’s next?
The 76ers will attempt not to set the NBA record for most consecutive losses when they host Detroit on Saturday. The 76ers are 0-3 this season against the Pistons, 0-1 at home.

On Jan. 10 at the Wells Fargo Center, Detroit won 114-104 despite the Sixers jumping out to a 19-4 lead.

The Sixers have lost 18 straight home games.

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