Sixers’ Skid Finally Ends

The Philadelphia 76ers have avoided a record they never wanted.

The 76ers were 0-for-17 and one loss away from tying the NBA mark for worst start before Michael Carter-Williams provided 20 points, nine assists and nine rebounds in an 85-77 victory at Minnesota. Robert Covington had 17 points for the Sixers, who overcame a comical start to build a 23-13 lead through one quarter.

The game had to be restarted 16 seconds in after officials realized both teams were lined up and shooting at the wrong ends of the floor. The Sixers were about to attempt a free throw when referee Zach Zarba stopped the game.

Also in the NBA:

— Brooklyn blew a 14-point lead in the final five minutes of regulation before knocking off San Antonio 95-93 in overtime, ending the Spurs' eight-game winning streak. Mirza Teletovic (MEER'-zah teh-LET'-oh-vihk) had a season-high 26 points and a career-best 15 rebounds starting in place of Kevin Garnett.

— Toronto whipped Utah 123-104 as Kyle Lowry scored a season-high 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting. Greivis (GREE'-vihs) Vasquez and Lou Williams each had 17 points to help the Raptors send the Jazz to their seventh consecutive loss.

— The Clippers picked up their sixth straight win as Chris Paul provided 19 points and 10 assists in a 114-86 rout over Orlando. Blake Griffin finished with a game-high 21 points and DeAndre Jordan grabbed 16 rebounds in the blowout.

— Dallas downed Milwaukee 107-105 on a buzzer-beating jumper by Monta (MAHN'-tay) Ellis. He scored eight of his 23 points in the final two minutes to lead the Mavericks to their fifth straight win.

— James Harden scored 21 points and Houston ended the Grizzlies five-game winning streak by downing Memphis 105-96. Trevor Ariza (ah-REE'-zah) and Jason Terry added 16 to help the Rockets win without three starters, including Dwight Howard.

— Pau Gasol (pow gah-SAHL') had 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls dealt Charlotte its 10th straight loss, 102-95. Joakim (JOH'-keem) Noah and Nikola Mirotic each posted double-doubles, with Noah delivering 14 points and 10 rebounds and Mirotic adding 11 points and 12 rebounds.

— Atlanta made it four straight wins as Jeff Teague scored 27 points and Kyle Korver scored 18 in a 112-102 triumph at Miami. Dennis Schroder scored 16 for the Hawks, who broke it open with an 18-5 run to end the third quarter.

— Bradley Beal scored 27 points and the Washington Wizards picked up their third straight win by trouncing the Los Angeles Lakers 111-95. John Wall's 17 points and 15 assists helped the Wizards deny the Lakers their first three-game winning streak in more than a year.

— Jeff Green scored 32 points and Boston opened overtime on an 8-0 run to beat Detroit 109-102 and halt a five-game losing streak. Kelly Olynyk had 20 points and seven rebounds as the Celtics sent the Pistons to their 10th straight loss.