Sixers freefall continues as they drop to 0-17

James Harden drained a season-high 50 points as the Houston Rockets held on to beat hapless Philadelphia 116-114, handing the 76ers their record 27th straight loss on Friday night.

It was the third career 50 point game for Harden, who now has the most in franchise history as he surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone and Elvin Hayes who had two each.

The sad sack Sixers hit another low as they equaled their franchise-worst 0-17 start from last season.

With 27 consecutive losses dating back to March 27, Philadelphia now owns the record for the longest losing streak in North American major professional sports. The NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 26 in row from 1976-77.

The Buccaneers went 0-14 in their first season in 1976 and started 0-12 in 1977 before beating New Orleans.

Harden added nine rebounds and eight assists, but also contributed nine turnovers in the win at Toyota Center arena.

The 76ers fought hard in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to avoid also setting an NBA record with their 27th consecutive loss over multiple seasons.