The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers learn firsthand Celtics rivalry alive and well

By Bret Stuter

(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Fan holds up sign before the game between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center 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 – APRIL 24: Fan holds up sign before the game between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center 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) /

Next chapter

This is as much of “The Process” as the 72 loss season of two years ago. On one hand, this is a new and vital chapter of who stays and who goes. On the other hand, it raises the bar for the Phildelphia 76ers stars of tomorrow. No basketball legend is annointed. Unlike the touting of teams and draft picks in off-season, basketball remains skeptical until players pass two hurdles: regular season and postseason.

While many expect both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid to land in that special place in NBA history, this is where it is earned. Nothing is given. To become a respected player in the future, that respect must come at the Celtics expense.

Don’t forget defense

It need not be offense and three’s and scoring 30 plus points. It is also defense: blocks, steals, diverting passes, and frustrating the opponents. After game one, the Philadelphia 76ers need to rethink their strategy.  The Celtics are not fueled on passion. They work on anticipation and preparation. The 76ers must anticipate and prepare for game two.

To win, the 76ers must either play better than expected, or change their strategy.  While either path arrives at advancing to round three, neither path is particularly easy for this young and freshly assembled team.  But that is the steep climb to relevance for any team. It’s not unique to Philadelphia. Nor is it the casual stroll many hyped Philadelphia up to.