This time, they held on to the lead.
After losing a 24-point advantage to the Bulls on Thursday, the Sixers led by 25 over the Trail Blazers at halftime on Saturday night and poured it on.
The Sixers led the entire game, leading by as many as 31 in the third quarter, and easily posted a 114-89 win.
Behind a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double from Jahlil Okafor, the Sixers wrapped up their six-game home stand with a 2-4 record, and the win pushes them to 5-37 overall.
Turning point
The Sixers opened the game on a 7-0 run. They extended their lead to 12 (16-4) five minutes into the first quarter. Okafor scored eight points in the opening four minutes, and started the game 7 for 7 from the field. The Sixers led 29-17 at the end of the quarter.
Inside the box score
Okafor recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 25 points (12 for 16 from the floor) and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. Ish Smith (16 points, five assists) and Robert Covington (16 points, four rebounds) were next on the scoring list for the Sixers. Isaiah Canaan and Richaun Holmes tallied 14 points each. Nerlens Noel grabbed eight boards and scored four points.
NBA
For the Blazers, Damian Lillard scored 14 points and C.J. McCollum had 13. The guards combined for 10 for 36 from the field and 2 for 12 from three.
Making the most of opportunities
Canaan played five minutes against the Bulls after a DNP against the Cavs. On Saturday he got the start at the two guard in place of Nik Stauskas (shoulder). Canaan scored 14 points in 31 minutes.
Holmes also received playing time after only three minutes Thursday and two prior DNPs. The rookie dropped 14 and six rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench.
Covington continues to find shot
Consider the slump broken. Covington proved his 25-point performance against the Bulls wasn’t a fluke. He scored 16 points, including 11 in the second quarter, along with four rebounds and three assists. His offense came from four threes and a pair of free throws.
Up next
The Sixers will travel to New York to play the Knicks on Monday afternoon. Then they are off to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday.
