Sixers shooting for strong finish after break
At 12-41, the 76ers have completed nearly two-thirds of the season as they enjoy an extended NBA all-star break. The team is off until an optional practice Tuesday and a mandatory one the next day.
At 12-41, the 76ers have completed nearly two-thirds of the season as they enjoy an extended NBA all-star break. The team is off until an optional practice Tuesday and a mandatory one the next day.
The Sixers will resume action Feb. 20 against the visiting Indiana Pacers, and coach Brett Brown and the players said they are looking to finish strong.
Considering the season began with 17 losses, the Sixers have made progress.
An 89-84 loss to the visiting Golden State Warriors on Monday was an example. The Warriors lead the NBA in scoring, averaging 110.9 points, and they had scored 100 or more in 21 consecutive games.
So, even though the 76ers never gave the sense that they would win, and even though they trailed by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter, they kept fighting.
Brown wants to see more of that fighting spirit in the final third of the season and is encouraged that this young group has often been outmanned but not outhustled.
"Individually, these guys have been fantastic, and, spiritually, they have stayed together," Brown said Monday.
The players admit that they could use a rest from the physical and mental grind.
"The month of January was pretty hectic [with 18 games], and a lot of guys are looking forward to some rest while also staying in shape," said Nerlens Noel, who is averaging 8.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocked shots.
The Sixers have made their greatest improvement on the defensive end. After allowing an NBA-worst 109.9 points per game last season, the Sixers entered Tuesday tied for 19th in that category, surrendering 100.5.
They continue to struggle on offense, however, ranking last in scoring at 89.8 points. They averaged 99.5 points last season.
The Sixers have achieved their goal of improving their defense this season, holding opponents below 90 points 11 times after doing so just twice last season.
After surviving their disastrous start, the Sixers are feeling much better about themselves.
"It is night-and-day from a confidence level, from a physical, mental, and skill level [in] improvement," Brown said.
"We want our third part of the season to be our best," said point guard Michael Carter-Williams, who missed the last three games with a toe injury and has averaged 15.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds. "I have seen a whole different team."
Since Jan. 1, the Sixers are 8-15. The team has gained respect around the NBA for a strong work ethic.
"Philadelphia first of all is competing like crazy," said Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose team is 41-9. "Brett has done an unbelievable job over there under difficult circumstances."
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