20-9. First in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference. Who do you got? The Philadelphia 76ers.
No one predicted the 76ers to start off with the tenacity and resilience they have demonstrated thus far. The Sixers are 4-3 in their last seven games against the harshest opponents in the league. And now they have a difficult stretch of road games to finish the first half of the season. There are two main explanations for the success of Philadelphia in this first half.
One, dudes are playing defense. The 76ers are ranked second in points allowed per game with 86.7. They are holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage and second lowest 3-point percentage in the NBA. The Sixers are getting the second most defensive boards in the league. Lastly, they hold the second highest point differential in the game with 9.1 behind the league leading Chicago Bulls.
Two, dudes are sharing the rock. The 76ers have six guys averaging double figure scoring and eight guys averaging nine points or more. Furthermore, they are fifth in the league in assists. That is the definition of balance. One last fun fact; the Sixers turn the ball over the least in the NBA with 10.5 turnovers a game. San Antonio is second with 13.6.
Coach Doug Collins has created a distinctive outlook and approach in the locker room and during practice. He is stressing hustle on defense and one more pass on offense. The squad is virtually the same as last season, where they finished with a record of 41-41. They had lost their first round playoff match-up against the profoundly favored Heat in 5 games.
Nevertheless, an uncanny chemistry was established during this time. It consists of a young nucleus of athletic bodies. Eight out of the 14 men on the Sixers roster are 24 years or younger. SI.com had Philadelphia starting the season ranked thirteenth in their power rankings. Teams enjoy being viewed as underdogs and pretenders. They play the game with less pressure and less media attention. The entire situation works in favor of the 76ers.
Currently, the Sixers are in the top five of just about every analyst’s power rankings. The team’s toughness was in full effect over the past ten days beating the Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers.
After these opponents, the Sixers went on their first two game losing skid of the season. Saturday they brought it to a halt against the feeble Cleveland Cavaliers.
Another story behind the 76ers is the theme of the superstar. The critics say the Sixers will have trouble winning in the playoffs because they lack the closer. There is no Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade on the Sixers side of the bench.
However, there are a bunch of confident guys that are going to out hustle and defend you. Someone will step up and make that big shot when it matters.
I didn’t feel there was any reason to mention a 76ers name in the article since they all contribute equally. They’re winning without a true superstar. It is extremely likely Philadelphia will square off against Miami again in this season’s playoffs. The Heat have three of the finest seven players in the NBA. The 76ers haven’t had a 30-point scorer for over a year. Who do you think will win? Don’t be surprised if the defensive, selfless team from Philly takes it this time around.
Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.