The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 noteworthy things from the Sixers’ opening night loss

By Christopher Kline

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers jogs off the court against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers jogs off the court against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers jogs off the court against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Despite falling to the Washington Wizards on opening night, the Philadelphia 76ers showed some promising signs. What should we look for out of this group going forward?

The Philadelphia 76ers‘ opening night loss came in typical Sixers fashion. They had the talent to compete, but a lack of execution down the stretch (and some ridiculous moments from John Wall) allowed the Wizards to pull ahead in the final minutes.

With the opener now behind us, though, there’s plenty to look forward to. Last night gave us a good feel for where Brett Brown is going with his rotation, while also surprising us in more than a few areas. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid were expectedly good, but those weren’t the only worthwhile takeaways from a game that, despite the loss, left us with some optimism.

Aside from double-doubles from Embiid and Simmons, Fultz also had double-digit points off the bench while Robert Covington exploded for 29 on 7-of-11 shooting from deep. There were also negatives, from turnover problems to gaping holes on the defensive end.

There are always some inconsistencies that come with younger teams, and the Sixers are a prime example of that. They have the ability to compete for a playoff spot in the East, but even their best players sputtered in big moments last night.

And, with that in mind, here are five things worth noting: