The Sixers had two chances to score. The first time came when Maxey was fouled with 8.8 seconds left while driving the lane. That enabled them to retain possession of the ball. The Clippers unsuccessfully challenged the foul call.

“The defender did illegal contact to his left arm,” crew chief Scott said. “It was not clear and conclusive that the call on the floor was incorrect. That was the result of the judgment on the play and the challenge.”

The Sixers retained possession, and Oubre’s layup was blocked by Leonard with the ball being wedged in the rim. The Sixers unsuccessfully tried to challenge the no-call, believing Oubre was fouled.

“The defender, Leonard, was in a legal guarding position and he performs a normal, legal, defensive move, and legally blocks the basketball and commits no illegal contact and the results of the blocked shot, the ball became wedged in the backboard,” Scott said. “Which by rule is a jump ball. That was correctly judged on the floor.”

After a jump ball, Oubre gained possession of the ball, drove the lane and appeared to be fouled by Paul George. However, none was called and his shot was blocked by Leonard in the closing second.

The Sixers had a balanced attack. Tyrese Maxey finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Oubre had 17 points and 11 rebounds after missing Monday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings. Tobias Harris added 14 points. Mo Bamba had 12 points, a season-high 11 rebounds, and two blocks for his first double-double as a Sixer. Hield added 17 points off the bench.

George led the Clippers with 22 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, and a block. Leonard had 17 points and nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Harden finished with 16 points, 14 assists, and five rebounds.

To show its disdain for Harden, the sellout crowd booed him during pregame introductions and whenever he touched the ball. The fans cheered whenever he missed a shot or made a mistake.

If Harden was the most vilified player on the court, P.J. Tucker was the second. The Clippers reserve forward who was traded to the Clippers with Harden on Nov. 1 was booed as he checked into the game at the start of the second quarter.

Harden is disliked because of how his Sixers’ tenure ended. Meanwhile, fans don’t like Tucker because of his lack of productivity when he was with the Sixers.

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