PHILADELPHIA – Free throws seem like the simplest part of a basketball game, but on Friday, an inability to consistently make them proved costly for New Orleans. Trying to halt a lengthy losing streak against a very formidable foe, the Pelicans stayed within striking distance of Philadelphia, but couldn’t close the gap in the second half, partly due to inaccuracy at the foul line. New Orleans missed 11 of its 35 total free throws, while Philadelphia was more effective capitalizing there. The Pelicans tried to gain an edge by fouling poor foul shooter Ben Simmons on purpose late in the fourth quarter, but Simmons made a handful after initially struggling.
Postgame wrap: 76ers 116, Pelicans 109
