5 interesting stats about the Philadelphia 76ers so far this season

HUSTLE: Philadelphia currently averages the most deflections per game (17.1), the highest steals per game (8.9), the highest loose balls recovered per game (6.4) in the entire NBA

A characteristic blueprint of Nick Nurse's Raptors was their defensive aggressiveness. Big, quick players like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam or Scottie Barnes were constant threats at the passing lanes, and versatile enough to switch on screens. And Daryl Morey, especially after the James Harden trade, have given him valuable tools to do the same with the Sixers roster.

Robert Covington is one of the biggest disruptors in the history of the league. The forward has incredible hands and decision-making on defense that get him minutes on those attributes alone. But he's not the only one. Other players like D'Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre have shown their ability to step up on defense, and it's translating into wins.

Hustle stats are usually directly proportional to a team's desire to win, and the Sixers are first by far. Not only are they leading in deflections per game with 17.1, but they are also leading in steals and loose balls recovered. A philosophy that makes more sense the closer the Playoffs get.