An undermanned 76ers unit put an end to the Cavaliers’ nine-game winning streak with a 123-121 win at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The visitors were without reigning MVP Joel Embiid as well as Tobias Harris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum and De’Anthony Melton.
In their absence, three 76ers put up 20 or more in the scoring column lead by deadline acquisition Buddy Hield (24 pts, 8 ast, 9/13 FG) along with Kelly Oubre Jr. (24 pts, 10/14 FG) and All-Star Tyrese Maxey (22 pts, 9 ast).
Cameron Payne (15 pts, 4 ast) was also key off the bench whilst Paul Reed (13 pts, 8 reb) and K.J. Martin (10 pts, 8 reb) made the most of their starting opportunities.
A tight opening three quarters in which no team lead by double-figures saw the Cavaliers take a one-point edge heading into the final frame.
An extended 25-12 run saw Philadelphia open up their largest lead of the game with less than 90 seconds to play before a flurry of made shots opened up an opportunity for Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to tie it or win it in the final seconds only for their attempts to not go down.
Mitchell (36 pts, 6 ast, +10) led the way for the Cavaliers whilst Garland (21 pts, 9 ast) and Jarrett Allen (21 pts, 10 reb) also proved key.
The Cavs will look to make a return to their winning ways when they face the Bulls on Thursday whilst Philadelphia kick-off a home stand against the Heat the same day.
