PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Spencer Hawes had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Elton Brand scored 14 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 89-86 on Friday night.
The Sixers led by 10 points and controlled the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics for most of the fourth quarter.
The Celtics missed eight straight baskets over a 6-minute span late in the fourth to lose only their eighth conference game of the season.
Lou Williams’ jumper just a shade over the 5-minute mark put the Sixers ahead 83-81 and they never trailed again. Jodie Meeks made two free throws after he was hammered by Paul Pierce on a fast break attempt and the Sixers came away with one of their biggest wins of the season.
Nenad Krstic had 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Celtics.
