DeMar DeRozan’s 37-point performance was not enough to defeat the Sixers on Wednesday. Seth Curry and the Sixers were just too much. Philadelphia’s beloved basketball team passed the first of many tests that this season has to offer. Defeating the Chicago Bulls was something that the locker room needed.
Doc Rivers’ ball club has inspired the fans that reside in the city of brotherly love. Watching the team battle adversity has not been an easy task. When Ben Simmons failed to buy into the 76ers system, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris decided to respond as champions should.
Leadership has given the Sixers new breath
A leader is someone who refuses to let the moment define them. Wednesday’s performance showed the Sixers who their leaders are. When it comes to performing in the clutch, Embiid defines the moment. Philadelphia relied on their big man’s playmaking ability to lead them past their inter conference foes.
Chicago’s head coach Billy Donovan planned to shut down Embiids scoring, but his plan was ineffective. Embiid’s response to the Bulls’ double teams granted his teammates open shots. Seth Curry and Matisse Thybulle’s three-point efficiency helped the Sixers escape Wednesday’s close matchup.
Contributions from role players have helped the Sixers’ chemistry
Tyrese Maxey is taking advantage of his new role on the 76ers. Philadelphia has leaned on Kentucky’s former point guard to run the offense in Ben Simmons’ absence. His determination to improve has increased the second-year guard’s point average. Maxey’s finished his rookie season averaging eight points per.
This year, he has averaged fourteen.
Seth Curry has contributed to the Sixers’ success as well. When on the hardwood, Curry has the range to make special things happen. Curry has made 53 percent of the 3-point shots he’s attempted this season. If Seth Curry continues to score at this rate, his 17-point average will continue to rise.
Revenge is the Sixers’ best motivation
Clinching the playoffs will not satisfy the Sixers organization this year. Last season’s embarrassing playoff exit has motivated the 76ers franchise to do better this go around. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks defeated Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris have made it their goal to take Philadelphia to higher heights. Their 7-2 start on the heels of Thursday’s subsequent win over Detroit has built enough momentum to carry the team through the holidays. If the Sixers remain focused, they could be the next team to beat in the Eastern Conference.