While people were pointing fingers, the Sixers, who are now 28-16, got their core healthy, made a couple of adjustments, and then went to work. The result? A team that has the NBA on notice.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Through the first 24 games of the NBA season, you could have placed the 76ers alongside the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat as one of the league’s most disappointing teams.
The Sixers’ inconsistency led them to a 12-12 record after a humbling road loss to the last-place Houston Rockets on Dec. 5. In a season in which the East has more serious championship contenders than the West, the Sixers were not one of them. Since Dec. 9, there has not been a better team than the Sixers. Over the last 20 games, at 16-4, they have the NBA’s best record.
Their perimeter defense has regressed as they struggle to stop elite scoring wings. That resulted in De’Anthony Melton replacing Tyrese Maxey in the starting lineup because of the urgent need for more perimeter defense.Sixers vs. Clippers takeaways: Team’s astounding trend, Tobias Harris’ defense, Joel Embiid’s class
That scenario wouldn’t be a new one for the Sixers. They surrendered 27 points to Kawhi Leonard in Tuesday’s. The Sixers escaped with a one-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, but gave up 35 points to LeBron James. Russell Westbrook finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. And the Sixers gave up 38 points to Jordan Clarkson in a one-point victory over the Utah Jazz the night before.
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