The Sixers snapped a 13-game losing streak amid a day of injuries.
Before the game, the Sixers announced Jahlil Okafor has a small tear of the meniscus in his right knee and will require surgery that will sideline him six weeks, ending his rookie season (see story).
During the third quarter, Jerami Grant kicked Robert Covington in the face during a play at the basket. Covington was taken off the court on a stretcher. Covington was taken to Jefferson Hospital to be evaluated for a possible neck injury while Grant was being evaluated for a concussion at the arena (see story). Richaun Holmes also left the game with a right achilles strain.
The Sixers still managed to hold on for a 95-89 win over the Nets. The Sixers' win Friday was their first since Feb. 6 when they also beat the Nets, 103-98.
Turning point
The Sixers were up 10, 57-47, when Covington and Grant left the game with 9:40 to go in the third. They built their lead up to 15, and the Nets chipped away to bring the game within five points by the end of the quarter, 72-67. When the Nets cut the game to 74-71 early in the fourth, the Sixers responded with a 9-2 run to keep hold of the lead.
High numbers
Nerlens Noel posted his 12th double-double of the season with 13 points (6 for 10 from the field) and 11 rebounds. Ish Smith neared a triple-double with 10 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Covington had scored 12 points (4 for 6 from three) and four rebounds in 17 minutes before leaving the game. Carl Landry led the Sixers with 16 points (7 for 9 from the floor) and eight rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.
NBA
Brook Lopez led all players with 24 points (10 for 17 from the floor) and seven rebounds. Thaddeus Young scored 21 points (8 for 20 from the field) with nine rebounds. Like Smith, Donald Sloan almost had a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Up next
The Sixers will play back-to-back home games, taking on the Pistons on Saturday.