Ben Simmons earned his second double-double in as many games against the Boston Celtics - with 11 rebounds, five assists and 11 points - but it wasn't enough to earn the 76ers their first win of season.
The 76ers rookie missed out on the accolade by just a point in the first half after racking up ten rebounds, nine points and a pair of assists before the halfway mark.
Meanwhile Boston's 102-92 win marked their first success after a close loss to Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night, followed by a disappointing home opener to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Celtics had their own Australian boost with ten points and eight rebounds from Australian big man Aron Baynes in just 13 minutes on the floor.
Philadelphia trailed for much of the first two periods, but a late surge was enough to give the home side at 50-46 lead heading into the major break.
After an evenly split third quarter, the more experienced Celtics showed their class in closing out the game in the final period, led by star off-season signing Kyrie Irving's 21 point game.
Watch till the end for a twist. pic.twitter.com/i4cqaBfBS7??? Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 20, 2017
Simmons spent longer on the court than any other 76er, totalling 37 minutes - indicative of the importance the Melbourne-born point-forward represents for a side that last made the playoffs in the 2011-12 season.
With AAP
