Pegged the worst team in the league, the Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to defy the odds by taking down the Chicago Bulls 107-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
Rookie Michael Carter-Williams led 76ers with 26 points and 10 assists. Evan Turner, who has netted 20 or more points in all three tilts this season, posted 20 for Philadelphia, which is 3-0 for the first time since the 2006-07 campaign.
Spencer Hawes tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds in the triumph. Philadelphia has already defeated the Washington Wizards and two-time defending champion Miami Heat to rise to first place in the Atlantic Division.
“We understand what everybody has said and written about us,” first-year coach Brett Brown said. “Our guys have put in the day-to-day stuff, which has always been our message. I’m lucky I’ve found a group that enjoys each other’s company and they enjoy playing together.”
Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 10 boards for Chicago, which dropped to 1-2 in the young season, while Luol Deng added 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Derrick Rose registered 13 points and six assists, but was just 4-of-14 from the field against the team he tore his ACL against in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs.
“I would blame tonight on me,” said Rose, who wore tape around his neck for the second straight game. “Turnovers, missed shots, miscommunication – I just couldn’t get in my groove.”
After trailing by as many as 18 points in the second half, the Sixers took a 100-99 lead with 3:29 left when Carter-Williams, a former Syracuse star, picked up a loose ball and calmly laid it in. It was the Sixers’ first lead since 11-10.
With 5.9 seconds left, Hawes made a jumper to put the Sixers ahead 107-104, and Deng missed a potentially game-tying 3-pointer on the other end.
The 76ers will take on Stephon Curry and the Golden State Worriors Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m.CT in the Oracle Arena.
