The Philadelphia 76ers are probably the most shorthanded team in the league among all the ball clubs engaged in the tight playoff race in both conferences. Thankfully, that has not fully precluded them from racking up wins. Deploying a ragtag lineup, the team managed to string together two consecutive wins on the road to tighten their grip on the No. 8 seed and remain within striking distance for a guaranteed playoff spot.
In fact, the 76ers actually made history in beating the Blazers. No, it is not about the rather pedestrian result. It is about the way they were able to register a win that was historic. As pointed out by Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh, the 76ers are the first team in history to win consecutive games despite draining 10 fewer three-point shots than their opponents in each outing. Now, that is certainly an unconventional way to win in the modern NBA.
Philly converted on just seven three-point tries against Portland, while the latter sunk 17 of their own. The Nets, whom the 76ers beat the other night, made 15 threes while the visitors managed to drain just three all game long. That is basically unheard of these days, but it is a welcome sign that the group is not allowing their talent deficit to push them down the drain.
The 76ers are winning in a different way while being shorthanded
Paul George is getting closer to making his return, but Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Joel Embiid could still be a few weeks away. In the meantime, the 76ers have no other choice but to ride their patchwork lineups, but if this is the way they are going to try and get wins, they could have a bigger chance at staying in the loop for a guaranteed playoff spot.
Of course, that is not a reference to the 76ers continuing to shoot poorly from three-point range. There is a reason why they made history in that regard –– it never really happens in reality. But their encouraging play despite having to go out there with so many unreliable shooters has forced them to compensate by playing harder on defense and playing to their strengths.
For now, that could suffice. At the very least, this team is offering much more resistance than everyone expected, which is really what can be reasonably asked for given their not-so-ideal circumstances at present. Hopefully, their effort can translate to even more wins.