Despite inconsistency, these Philadelphia 76ers are beating good NBA teams. Now, a sudden burst of winning in January 2018 projects the team as a potential fourth-seed come post-season
You win some, and you lose some. As a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no need to discuss losing some. You’ve lived it. While other team waded into NBA free agency to win 25 games, the 76ers started undrafted and second round players while the team awaited the arrival of Dario Saric and the return to health of Joel Embiid.
In fact, by the end of December 2017, these Sixers were under .500 and were fighting through injuries, inconsistent play, and a general malaise which made even the most optimistic fans among us question their ability to make a run at post-season.
New Years renewed hope
And then, January 2018 happened.
Already by January 27, 2018, the team is already 7-2 in the month. As a matter of fact, those wins include a two-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs, a win against the Detroit Pistons, the Toronto Raptors, the Boston Celtics, and the Milwaukee Bucks. At 7-2 against a schedule of predominantly NBA playoff teams, the fans have reason for optimism.
With a "new mentality," the Sixers broke a 13-game losing streak in San Antonio.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 27, 2018
(@JCameratoNBCS)https://t.co/tAyBh7YVB8
They are closing in on the four seed of the Eastern Conference.
Awful close to that four seed. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/grkUBtKuau
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) January 27, 2018
So what? Well, it makes a difference.