Can Philadelphia 76ers make 4th seed in NBA Playoffs?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 19: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons #25 look on in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Long season, but rapidly improving

It’s a tough place for Philadelphia 76ers fans. Yes, the team has played this season in winning and losing spurts. But when this team starts stringing together wins against the Celtics, Raptors, Spurs, Bucks, and Pistons, they prove that they deserve to play in post-season. And they get better with each game.

This is a team with a scheme designed by head coach Brett Brown and former team president Sam Hinkie. The goal was to excel at pace, space, and pass.

Pace: https://t.co/v7J19p81hO
Space: https://t.co/vQkSblnyEs
Pass: https://t.co/y6NhDyJv98
— Bret Stuter 🏈🐑+ 🏀🐺 (@milroyigglesfan) December 3, 2017

So far, this team is doing just that.

Rhythm > fast pace

But suddenly, the fast pace is becoming secondary to a better cadence for the team. With a slower cadence for slower teams, the 76ers are realizing just how good they are defensively. They held the Boston Celtics to just 80 points on January 18. Then, just eight days later, they held the San Antonio Spurs to just 78 points.

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As a result, things are beginning to get very interesting:

Over the past 11 games, the 76ers are tied with the Warriors for the best record at 9-2, have the 8th-best ORTG (109.5), 2nd-best DRTG (97.5) and best NRTG (12.0). At 24-21, they’re currently the 6 seed and are just 3 games back of the Cavs for the 3 seed. #HereTheyCome
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) January 27, 2018

Who realistically wants to face a team this hot in the NBA Playoffs? If the trend continues, the Philadelphia 76ers will be playing some of the most consistant and stellar basketball in the league at season’s end. And a hot team at the right time can make all the difference in the world. Just ask Philadelphia Eagles fans.