Winless No More: Philadelphia 76ers Beat Minnesota Timberwolves, 85-77 For First Victory Of The Season

The Philadelphia 76ers avoided tying the worst start in National Basketball Association (NBA) history by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 85-77 on Wednesday. The Sixers improved to a 1-17 win-loss card for the season but more importantly did not go 0-18, the record for the worst start in league history established by the New Jersey Nets in the 2009-2010 NBA season.

It appeared Philadelphia wanted this one badly— as opposed to their “tanking” efforts in the first seventeen games of the season— leading 23-13 after the first quarter. However, home team Minnesota stormed right back to take a 34-32 advantage at halftime. Behind Michael Carter-Williams (20 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals) and back-up forward Robert Covington (17 points), who came off the bench, Philadelphia outplayed the Timberwolves in the second half outscoring them, 53-43 points.

"For me personally, I think it's a big relief off my chest," Carter-Williams said via ESPN.COM. "And the same is for the rest of the guys now that we got a win.”

Gorgui Deng, who had a big double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds for his team, cut the lead down to one, 78-77 with 1:21 to go in the game. But then Carter-Williams and Covington hit crucial baskets to create the distance. Thaddeus Young led the Wolves in scoring with 16 points but shot 6-of-16 from the field. Minnesota dropped to 4-13 for the year, the worst mark in the Western Conference.

Other Sixers which contributed to their first win were Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12 points and 9 rebounds), Henry Sims (10 points and 6 rebounds) and Nerlens Noel (8 points and 2 steals). Rookie K.J. McDaniels added 12 points off the bench.

Upcoming Schedule (Next 3 Games):

Minnesota Timberwolves: vs Houston Rockets, at San Antonio Spurs, vs. Golden State Warriors

Philadelphia 76ers: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. at Detroit Pistons, at Atlanta Hawks