TORONTO _ Despite the 76ers' mounting losses, Brett Brown believes this season is different from the previous four woeful campaigns. The coach said his team is on the brink of something big.
"It's easy for me to stand up here and say that when recent results don't reflect that," Brown said before Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. "But I think you take DeMar (DeRozan) and Kyle (Lowry) out of this team (Raptors), you are going experience stuff we are experiencing without Joel (Embiid) and JJ (Redick)."
Well, the Sixers got Embiid back against the Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The center provided an early lift, scoring the Sixers' first eight points. But he cooled off a little and the Sixers suffered a 102-86 loss.
The setback extended their losing streak to a season-worst five games. The Sixers (14-18) have also lost nine of their last 10.
Redick missed his second consecutive game with tightness in his right hamstring.
The Sixers announced 15 minutes before game time that Embiid would play. He missed the previous three games with back tightness. The center has been sidelined eight games total this season because of his back and left knee.
The Sixers went into Saturday with a 13-10 record in games he played. They are 1-7 without him.
So, as expected, there was some excitement surrounding his return. It was warranted, early on.
Embiid attempted the Sixers' first five shots, making three to score their first eight points. His teammates repeatedly fed him the ball on a halfcourt set. He also had three rebounds and one block before Amir Johnson subbed in for him with 6 minutes, 53 seconds left in the opening quarter. Embiid went on to miss his other two shot attempts of the half.
He finished with 14 points on 5 for 13 shooting to go with eight rebounds, two assists, five blocks and five turnovers. Embiid exited the game for good with the Sixers trailing, 86-65, and 9 minutes, 30 seconds remaining.
This game marked the first time that Embiid faced the Raptors in Toronto. But even with him, this was an uphill battle.
Toronto (23-8), which also beat the Sixers in Philly on Thursday, has now won six straight and 12 of its last 13. The Raptors are a league-best 12-1 at home. The Raptors have also won 18 of 19 meetings against the Sixers since the start of the 2013-14 season.
As on Thursday, DeMar DeRozan had a big hand in this victory.
The Raptors shooting guard made 4 of 7 3-pointers to finish with a game-high 29 points after career highs of 45 points and six 3s in Philly. Serge Ibaka added 17 points for Toronto. Dario Saric led the Sixers with 17 points on a night they committed 23 turnovers and missed 20 of 27 3-pointers.
The Sixers showed signs of a frustrated squad as Brown, Saric, and Embiid were all called for technical fouls.
