Magic's shot at buzzer keeps Sixers winless

It's hard to find an NBA team that has experienced the same struggles that the 76ers have endured since the start of last season.

But they faced that team Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Orlando Magic and the Sixers entered the game with 0-4 records. Last season, the Sixers and Magic had the second- and third-worst records in the league. The Magic actually have the Sixers beat in bleakness, considering that they had the NBA's worst record (20-62) two seasons ago.

So were the Sixers able to take advantage of this great opportunity?

Nope.

Tobias Harris buried a 21-footer at the buzzer to give the Magic a 91-89 victory.

"We were there. We contested the shot," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "I think what it does for our young guys is it highlights just how there is no margin for error throughout the whole game with the group that we had."

The Sixers committed 20 turnovers, were outrebounded, 51-38, and missed several defensive assignments. They won't get any sympathy from the Magic.

This victory marked just the second win in 30 road games for Orlando. The Magic's last road win during that stretch was a 101-90 decision over the Sixers last Feb. 26.

Rookie center/power forward Nerlens Noel suffered a sprained left ankle in the third quarter and did not return.

"I'm feeling good," said the 6-11, 217-pounder, who was held to four points, three assists, two rebounds, and a blocked shot in 16 minutes, 20 seconds. He also committed three turnovers.

"I'll make sure that I get in this rehab in the next couple of days and get back on the court."

Although there's no timetable for his return, Noel said he doesn't think the injury is serious.

"I was able to walk on my own power," he said. "It wasn't that bad at all."

The Sixers opened the season with five consecutive losses for the first time since 2001-02.

They are expected to add to their season-opening losing streak. Their schedule includes the Chicago Bulls (Friday), the Toronto Raptors (Sunday), the Dallas Mavericks (Nov. 13), the Houston Rockets (Nov. 14), and the San Antonio Spurs (Nov. 17). Every game except the Bulls contest will be on the road. Those five teams had a combined 15-4 record heading into Wednesday.

"It's definitely hard. We were right there," said Sixers power forward Brandon Davies, who finished with 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting. "There are a lot of positives we can take from that game. We didn't give up. We haven't given up in any games."

Unfortunately for the Sixers, neither did Harris.

The 6-foot-9 swingman finished with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting. He scored the Magic's last two baskets.

Harris had a layup to give them an 89-87 lead with 51 seconds left. Henry Sims knotted the score with a 21-foot jumper with 4.9 seconds remaining.

"Every game we are getting better," Davies said. "Every game we are a couple of plays from getting things done and getting wins."

Sixers point guard Tony Wroten led all scorers with 27 points. He made 4 of 6 three-pointers.

Noel made his second straight start at center because the Sixers didn't want to match him up with power forward Channing Frye. They were a little concerned about Frye's ability to stretch defenses and make three-pointers.

Instead, Noel had the tough task of defending Orlando center Nik Vucevic, a former Sixer. The 7-foot, 260-pounder came having posted double-doubles in each of the Magic's previous four games. Vucevic also came into the game as the NBA's leading rebounder at 15 per game.

He finished with 17 points and five rebounds.