This was the 76ers' preseason that ended with a whimper last night, in an 81-65 loss to the visiting San Antonio Spurs. This was the preseason that ended with a record of 1-6, with the losses coming by a combined total of 110 points.

"The losses will not affect how we prepare for the start of the regular season [Tuesday at Minnesota]," center Dikembe Mutombo said. "The most important thing is, how can we get the chemistry we need? How can we get to know each other? We've had so many injuries, we haven't played together. It's not easy with a new group.