The Sixers season opener did little to prove wrong the prognosticators who forecast the team would struggle, as Philadelphia lost 106-97 to the Raptors in Toronto. The Raptors lead by as many as 22 in the third quarter, until Philadelphia fought to cut the lead to one midway through the fourth. But they could never overtake the defending division champions, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Last year’s first overall draft pick, Andrea Bargnani, scored a team-high 20 points, but it was the Raptors young point guard out of Texas, T.J. Ford, who lead the team to victory with 12 assists, only one turnover, and 14 points. Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala scored 23 but turned the ball over seven times in the losing effort. (More basketball stories.)