The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Dario Saric Punctuates Philadelphia 76ers Fierce Competitiveness

By Bret Stuter

Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celibates with guard Nik Stauskas (11) and forward Robert Covington (33) after he made a shot in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celibates with guard Nik Stauskas (11) and forward Robert Covington (33) after he made a shot in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have wandered for three seasons without an identity. Not marksmen, not bullies, the team lost in bunches. But in the ashes of the 2016-2017 season as stars fell to injury, Dario Saric Punctuates team identity: scrappy, fiercely competitive

The Philadelphia 76ers have sought a “schtick” for the past four plus seasons.  Not a gimmick or a hustle, a theme of identifying the style of play this team will come at you with.  The Golden State Warriors are marksmen, and they will kill their opponents by nailing the three-point shot.  The Utah Jazz simply smother their opponents by incredible defense. The San Antonio Spurs out think their opponents. The Spurs find a weakness and keep hammering at it. And of course, the Cleveland Cavaliers, simply follow in the wake of LeBron James.

The Philadelphia 76ers have none of that. In fact, the 76ers have nothing close to any of that.  So what does this team have?  Fierce competitiveness.

Stats

Right now, the team is 23rd in the NBA in defense, and 24th in the NBA in offense. The team is 25th in shooting accuracy, but the team is 15th in the league in opponents shooting accuracy. They sit at 23rd in three-point accuracy, and are 12th best in the NBA at defending three-point shots.  The 76ers sit tied for last in the NBA at committing turnovers, but they are seventh best in the NBA at causing turnovers.

This is not the statistics of the former Philadelphia 76ers.  The team is limping to the end of another NBA season, but the players still have plenty of fight in them. How can this be?