Boston blues for Philadelphia

The Philadelphia 76ers equalled the record for the worst losing streak in NBA history on Wednesday, suffering a last-gasp defeat against Boston to chalk up their 26th consecutive loss.

The 76ers led heading into the final minutes, but were overhauled by a late rally from the Celtics, who scraped home 84-80 as Philadelphia’s miserable campaign continued.

Jae Crowder sank a three-pointer with 38.5 seconds left on the clock as Boston produced an 18-3 points rally to win having trailed by 11 points midway through the third quarter.

Philadelphia had led 80-75 with 2:51 left in the game, only to watch as Boston reeled off the final nine points of the match to snatch victory.

The 76ers were left ruing an inability to preserve possession when it counted, finishing with 19 turnovers.“There’s no excuse for that,” former Celtics guard Phil Pressey said.The 76ers are now 0-16 for the season, and combined with 10 straight losses last year now have a share of the record for the worst string of defeats in history.

The 2013-14 76ers were the last side to lose 26 straight, a feat emulated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010-11.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant’s smooth return from injury continued as the Oklahoma City Thunder swept away the Brooklyn Nets 110-99.

Durant, playing only his second game since returning from a hamstring strain, piled up 30 points in a decisive win for Thunder. a third consecutive victory. Durant sunk 11 of 18 shots from the field while contributing five assists and six rebounds.