SERGE Ibaka hit the free throws that capped Orlando’s comeback from 18 points down against Philadelphia as the Magic nabbed its first win of the season at the expense of the winless Sixers, 103-101, at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).
The Sixers started out hot, building a huge lead early, but the Magic dropped 41 in the third to stay within reach entering the final quarter, 87-84.
Philadelphia started the fourth with a 7-0 run, leading 94-84 with 8:30 to go, before Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier and Ibaka unleashed a 17-7 rally to tie the game at 101 at the 0:27 mark.
Joel Embiid lost his dribble and turned the ball over before Ibaka sank two crucial free throws off a flagrant foul by TJ McConnell, with 0:01 left, and the Magic retained possession to come away with their first victory under coach Frank Vogel.
Nikola Vucevic had a double-double for the Magic with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Ibaka added 21.
Hollis Thompson scored 22 for the Sixers, Dario Saric added 21 points, while Embiid finished with a double-double of 18 markers and 10 boards.
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