SAN ANTONIO — Sixers coach Brett Brown was again among old friends, but it did little to soften the sting of his team's 10th straight loss to open the season.
Jahlil Okafor had 21 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season, but the San Antonio Spurs still rolled to a 92-83 victory over the Sixers on Saturday night.
Jerami Grant, who had 12 points, was the only other player in double figures for the Sixers.
Nerlens Noel was held to six points and three rebounds in his second game back from sore wrists.
Turning point
After trailing by double digits throughout, the Sixers went on a 14-2 run to pull within 87-83 with three minutes left in the final quarter.
Okafor scored seven points in the run, including a three-point play to start the rally.
NBA
However, the Sixers then turned the ball over on their next three possessions to end the rally. With Brown screaming at his players to fall back defensively, Patty Mills sprinted downcourt for an open layup off a long pass from Kyle Anderson.
What can Brown do for you
Brown made his annual return to San Antonio during the regular season.
Brown was an assistant with the Spurs for seven seasons, including the 2007 championship, prior to joining the Sixers.
Brown said when he awoke Saturday morning, he looked outside his downtown hotel room and recalled the thousands in attendance along the River Walk to celebrate San Antonio's 2007 championship.
Three the hard way
The Sixers took 22 three-point shots, making eight to shoot 36 percent from long range.
Grant was 2 for 3 to lead the Sixers, with Hollis Thompson and Isaiah Canaan both going 2 for 6.
Wait a minute
Brown huddled his team together for an unofficial timeout with officials reviewing an out-of-bounds call in the final minutes much to the chagrin of San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich.
Popovich stormed to midcourt, pointing and screaming at the Sixers to no avail. Officials did not disperse the Sixers even with Popovich protesting for about a minute.
The Spurs maintained possession, though, and were able to hold on for the victory.
Up next
The Sixers are off Sunday and return home to play the Mavericks Monday night.