The Sixer Sense
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5 Things We Learned From Philadelphia 76ers Loss vs Oklahoma City Thunder

By Jonathan Kelly

Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a lay up against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a lay up against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixers now have a home-court advantage

I remember going to Philadelphia 76ers games years ago. Every time I went (post Allen Iverson era), the mood was the same. The atmosphere was dead and there were probably more empty seats than filled. You could basically seat wherever you wanted regardless of what ticket you bought because nobody cared. The team was bad. Even in games that stayed close, the crowd was so quiet, you could even hear players talking on the court at times.

That is now a thing of the past and things are looking very bright for the future of the Sixers organization. From the moment the Sixers tipped off against the Thunder, you can feel the energy in the building. When Joel Embiid hit the Dream Shake and knocked down his first jumper, the crowd erupted. When Sergio threw an alley-oop to Gerald Henderson, the place went nuts. Moments like that made you feel that the Philadelphia 76ers are back and are ready to compete again.

The fans were in it from the very beginning through the entire game. I haven’t seen anything like that for the Philadelphia 76ers since the Allen Iverson days. The crowd was getting loud and that does play a factor for opposing teams. It was a great sign to see that the city of Philadelphia is once again rallying behind their basketball team. The team would benefit greatly if the fans could cheer like that all season long – minus the guy flipping Westbrook the birds.

But seriously, the Sixers could have something they haven’t had in years in a home court advantage. The important thing is if the fans will continue to show that type of support if the season goes south. They may have to cross that road if they get there but until then, Sixers should enjoy their home court advantage.