PHILADELPHIA — After Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Philadelphia 76ers are sitting 6-4 at the 10-game mark of the season. They have had some impressive wins along with a few head scratchers as they work their way through the rigors of the season.
The Sixers have played three back-to-backs already, have had Joel Embiid for six of those games, Jared McCain has played two, Paul George has yet to play, and coach Nick Nurse is figuring out the power forward spot. When considering all of that, it has been a solid start for this group.
“I think we’ve done pretty good,” said star guard Tyrese Maxey. “We’ve had three back-to-backs. The back-to-backs are always difficult, but we go out there to fight every single game. I don’t think there’s been one game—the Cavs we lost by double digits—but I don’t think there’s been one game where we just kinda just folded and gave them a game. We went out there and fought all 48 minutes.”
Maxey, especially, has been terrific. He’s averaging 33.2 points, 8.2 assists, and shooting a robust 44.1% from deep. He has done a fantastic job of of leading this group through the ups and downs and has taken another step forward in his game.
The Sixers certainly have things to clean up. They currently rank 20th in the league in defensive rating, and the third quarter has been a mess for the majority of the season, but Maxey is confident they will clean all of that up. With 72 games still to go, the Sixers believe they are in a good position.
“Some stuff we have to clean up, but also some really good stuff as well,” Maxey continued. “Still trying to get healthy, get everybody back, and I think we’ve done a good job of just creating pace, creating turnovers, and playing the right way. Everybody seems like they’re playing for each other. When guys are playing for each other and getting guys open and getting guys open shots, then it’s always good.”
As is always the case with the Sixers, once they get healthy, they should be in a great spot to succeed. Once George returns, he will give Philadelphia a lot of depth and defensive help while Embiid should continue on the path back toward stardom in this league. That is what they can lean on at the moment along with the strong start.
“We’re a good team,” added Andre Drummond. “I think we just gotta keep figuring it out. We got guys coming back who are out right now so I think once we’re full force, I think we’re a team to reckon with.”