The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons Philadelphia 76ers defeat Miami Heat in round one

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 26: Markelle Fultz
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 26: Markelle Fultz /

IV. 76ers bench thoroughly improved

Throughout the season, the team struggled with players who didn’t fit, open roster spots, and injuries. But everything fell into place when the Philadelphia 76ers signed Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova from free agency, having been cut by the Atlanta Hawks. Well almost fell into place. All the right pieces fell into place, but it was that return to the basketball court by Markelle Fulz which feels like the catalyst.

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Which NBA player has played the most games without making the playoffs?
Which NBA player has played the most games without making the playoffs? /

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    • The team’s bench throughout the season had been alarmingly ineffective. In fact, the dropoff in play from the starting five to the reserves became a regular topic of concern.  The team did not get much offense from the reserves, and those who showed some offensive spark did not see much playing time.  In fact, it was compounded by the nine-man rotation chosen by Coach Brown.  In short, the starting five-man lineup began to carry a heavy burden and responsibility for the team’s success.

    Marco, Ersan, and Markelle

    But things improved rapidly. Team President Bryan Colangelo outdid himself in waiting patiently and not panicking. When the Atlanta Hawks cut Marco Belinelli, he was ready to sign him to fill the team’s open roster spot. When the Hawks cut Ersan Ilyasova, he was ready with a contract to sign him as well. And finally, the team brought Markelle Fultz to the basketball court.

    The results? The team sustained a 16 game winning streak, even defeating a very motivated Cleveland Cavaliers team in the process.  With Belinelli and Ilyasova complimenting the outside shooting of Saric, Redick, and Covington, the team has a bonafide arsenal of weapons to bring into the game at any time. And that frees up the team to emphasize the defense of Amir Johnson, T.J.McConnell, Justin Anderson, and Richaun Holmes. In the end, the team is hitting it’s stride at the right time. And that has helped the team compensate for Joel Embiid’s absence.