The Philadelphia 76ers resume a five-game road trip tonight in California's capital against the lowly Sacramento Kings.
The Sixers, who have won five straight over Sacramento, improved to 1-2 on their trek Wednesday in Los Angeles when Jodie Meeks made five three-pointers en route to 22 points, as Philadelphia defeated the Clippers, 104-94.
Jrue Holiday added 20 points and nine assists for the Sixers, who won despite the absence of coach Doug Collins in the second half. Collins was ejected just before halftime.
"I just thought I had to stand up for our guys and they were great," Collins said. "They responded. We talked at halftime about how important this game was to get a road win and break our two-game losing streak."
Elton Brand donated 19 points, 12 boards and five blocks for Philadelphia, which currently holds the seventh slot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, one-half game behind New York.
"It was a tough game but we had to have it. We had lost two in a row and we felt like we are a better team than to lose two in a row," said Brand.
The Kings, meanwhile, are a Western Conference-worst 16-50 after a 97-93 home loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. Ramon Sessions made the game-winning layup with 18.1 seconds remaining in that one as the Cavaliers snuck past Sacramento in a battle between two of the NBA's worst teams.
Marcus Thornton finished with 23 points for the Kings, who have lost seven of eight overall. Ex-Sixer Samuel Dalembert, who will be facing his old team for the first time since being traded to Sacramento in July, tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds.
"To see that we played so well against Golden State and then to lose like this hurt," said Thornton, who is averaging 24.0 points in his last nine games. "We have to put it behind us and get ready for Friday. We have a good Philly team coming in."
The Kings revealed a little good news on Wednesday. After undergoing three shockwave treatments for plantar fasciitis in his left foot, Kings guard Tyreke Evans, the reigning Rookie of the Year, visited foot specialist Dr. Richard Ferkel and was cleared to begin basketball activities. If all goes well, Evans should gradually return to action within a week or two.
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