Rockets Make it Rain, Sixers Make it 0-4

By Max Rappaport, Sixers.com

PHILADELPHIA –– In the NBA, the three-point line so often determines fate. On Monday, the Sixers experienced both its highs and its lows but eventually fell victim to it, suffering a 104-93 loss to the Houston Rockets to fall to 0-4 on the season.

Nerlens Noel started at center in place of Henry Sims, whose minutes were limited to just 13 because of an upper respiratory infection. In an effort to contain Rockets center Dwight Howard, the Sixers packed the paint early, but Houston made them pay. The Rockets knocked down seven of 10 three-point attempts in the first quarter en route to take a 32-19 lead.

In the second, the Sixers flipped the tables, clamping down to hold the Rockets to 1-of-8 shooting from distance and going 5-for-7 themselves to cut a 13-point deficit to one at halftime.

The Sixers were able to weather a 16-4 Rockets run that opened up the third, clawing their way back to end the quarter down 79-74, but in the final frame, three-point shooting spoiled their comeback effort.

The Sixers were able to cut their deficit to just four with just under eight minutes remaining, but an 18-6 run sparked by five threes in as many minutes for Houston iced the game for the Rockets, who improved to 4-0 on the season.

Sixers Leaders

• Tony Wroten led the way for Philadelphia, scoring 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and five steals.

• Nerlens Noel notched just one rebound, but filled out the stat sheet in other ways, scoring 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting, dishing out five assists, and grabbing six steals.

• Rookie K.J. McDaniels set a career high with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting (3/4 3FG). He also contributed three rebounds, an assist, and a blocked shot.

• Brandon Davies scored in double figures for the third time this season, notching 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting to go along with four rebounds and three assists.

Notables

• With 77 points, 27 assists, 19 rebounds, and 12 steals through the first four games of the season, Tony Wroten is one of just five players who have accomplished that feat since 1985, joining teammate Michael Carter-Williams (2013-14), Dwyane Wade (2008-09), Jason Kidd (2000-01), and Alvin Robertson (1987-88).

• After his unconventional statistical performance against the Rockets, Nerlens Noel became the first rookie starting center with at least 10 points, six steals, and five assists in a game since Alvan Adams did so for the Phoenix Suns in February of 1976.