PHILADELPHIA — The NBA season is still in its early stages, but the Philadelphia 76ers are making a promising start, having recently defeated the Charlotte Hornets 125-121. With this win, the Sixers have joined a select group of teams in the Eastern Conference that have opened the season with two consecutive victories.
Throughout training camp and the preseason, the Sixers focused on establishing a standard and cultivating a strong team culture. Team executive Daryl Morey emphasized the importance of building a squad that would instill pride in the city. That vision was palpable on Saturday night as the lively crowd of 19,124 at Xfinity Mobile Arena created a fervent atmosphere, reflecting the initial success of the team’s aspirations.
The game highlighted the resilience of the 76ers, who exhibited determination by overcoming double-digit deficits in both of their wins this season. After Quentin Grimes hit the decisive three-pointer, Joel Embiid joyfully celebrated alongside his teammates, showcasing the positive energy permeating the team. “I would have been proud of the team even if we hadn’t won the game, because we stuck with it,” Embiid said, noting they could have easily faltered but chose to persist.
The team seems to be playing with a significant drive, fueled by the embarrassment of last season’s disappointing 24-58 record. Their newfound intensity has been evident, and while it may be early in the season, fans can feel encouraged by the effort and tenacity displayed by the players. Teams can’t control injuries or player availability, which the 76ers know all too well, but they can control their level of effort—a crucial factor in their early success.
Individual performances have been noteworthy, from Grimes’ clutch shots to Tyrese Maxey’s strong play and rookie VJ Edgecombe’s promising contributions. However, the Sixers have predominantly triumphed through a collective commitment to the foundational aspects of the game. They have embraced a gritty style, including the willingness to engage physically with their opponents, which has proved essential for winning so far.
Center Andre Drummond discussed the team’s hard work during the offseason, indicating that scrimmages without officiated calls had prepared them for the battles ahead. “We’ve been sick of playing against each other. It’s been good to go out there and take some aggression out on other teams,” he remarked.
Despite their promising start, the 76ers still have much to navigate. Embiid is playing under a tight 20-minute restriction following knee surgery, and managing his minutes has become a critical focus. On Saturday, he shone with 20 points within that limited time. Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the challenge of balancing Embiid’s availability with optimal team performance.
In addition, the absence of key players like Paul George, Trendon Watford, and Jared McCain was felt during the recent game, as it forced the team at times to rely heavily on Maxey and Grimes for offensive production. However, contributions from players like Justin Edwards and Drummond helped to bolster the team. Edwards hit three crucial three-pointers in limited minutes, while Drummond, pulling down 13 rebounds in 15 minutes, showcased his significance off the bench.
Nurse expressed relief and surprise at Drummond’s impactful performance, stating, “I knew that I would eventually have to use him again…and he gave it. All of a sudden, the rebounding got a lot easier.”
As the season unfolds, the 76ers know they need to build on their early successes. Though only two games in, the team’s collective spirit and diligent effort provide a refreshing sense of hope. Fans and players alike are optimistic that this resilience and determination could mark a turning point for the franchise after a challenging previous season. The small victories, particularly in the face of adversity, can instill renewed faith in what lies ahead for the Philadelphia 76ers.