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76ers 103, Nets 98: Rookie T. J. McConnell Inspires 76ers to Hold On and Defeat Nets

PHILADELPHIA — T. J. McConnell, filling in for the injured starting point guard Ish Smith, tied a career high with 17 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Nets, 103-98, on Saturday night.

Jahlil Okafor had 22 points and 17 rebounds for Philadelphia, and Nerlens Noel added 18 points, coming through with a key dunk late in the fourth quarter.

McConnell, a rookie, was a big reason that the 76ers were able to earn an eighth win while ending a four-game losing streak.

“He was inspirational,” Philadelphia Coach Brett Brown said.

McConnell credited Smith, who injured his ankle after scoring 22 points in Philadelphia’s 106-94 loss at Washington on Friday night.