NBA: Philadelphia 76ers suffer receord-equalling 26th consecutive defeat

Philadelphia 76ers matched the record for the NBA's longest losing run after crumbling to a 120-98 defeat against Houston Rockets.

It was Philadelphia's 26th consecutive loss, equalling the record set by Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2010-11 season, and they will face Detroit Pistons on Saturday hoping to avoid creating history for all the wrong reasons.
James Harden was their nemesis, with the Rockets star man's triple-double propelling Houston to an easy victory.
The 24-year-old shooting guard led the way with 26 points, 10 rebounds and as many assists, meaning James Anderson's haul of 30 points was all in vain for the Sixers.
Chris Paul was in inspired form as Los Angeles Clippers moved closer to clinching a play-off place with a 109-103 win over Dallas Mavericks, whose hopes of climbing into the top eight of the Western Conference were dashed by the defeat.

Red-hot form

Paul bagged 31 points and nine assists to lead his side to their 14th win from their last 16 matches after overturning a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.
LaMarcus Aldridge made a sparkling return to action with 25 points and 16 rebounds as Portland Trail Blazers beat Atlanta Hawks 100-85.
Aldridge had missed the last seven games due to a back injury but his comeback was the inspiration for the Trail Blazers to end a three-game losing streak.
Finally, the Milwaukee Bucks ended an eight-match losing run after edging out Los Angeles Lakers 108-105, with Brandon Knight pouring in 30 points and Ramon Sessions adding 22.