Silver Linings Playbook: 5 positive Philadelphia 76ers takeaways from Pacers game

The Philadelphia 76ers were oh-so-close against the Pacers. But there are five positive takeaways in the aftermath

The importance of the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Indiana Pacers was broadcast throughout the NBA before the game. It was a dress rehearsal, an opportunity to feel the pressure of the NBA Playoffs in the safe confines of the NBA regular season. Dress rehearsal in the sense that it wasn’t a “win or go home” scenario. But the stakes are real. Very real. And with two top teams in the NBA Eastern Conference wavering, the winner of this contest finds themselves in a position to challenge battered Boston for the 2-seed.

This contest pitted the incredibly hot Indiana Pacers on the road (they’re a pretty good road team) against the almost-unbeatable-at-home Philadelphia 76ers. While not quite a winner take all, the game was certainly an opportunity for the Sixers to take a huge step into the midst of the playoff race. They lost the opportunity 101-98.  Indiana is now 6.5 games behind Boston.

Fire Brett Brown, really?

Yes, the cries of “Fire Brett Brown” are likely already hitting social media.  The game was a necessary win for the team, the players, and perhaps the entire NBA, to recognize just how far the Philadelphia 76ers have come. But in losing a close game, did they fail to prove their case?

The team is getting pretty impressive in just one season pairing Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. This is a very young and inexperienced team. Imagine how well the team will be in several years? Right now, no imagination is required. The players are perturbed.