The 76ers can no longer point to their youth and inexperience in instances where they don't pull out games down the stretch, because they're displaying a tremendous level of maturity and growth in the early parts of their brutal 12-game stretch.
Brett Brown's Sixers pulled off arguably their best win of the year Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center against the San Antonio Spurs when they went on a 10-0 run over the final 2:15 to win 122-120.
"I thought we played with a real sense of desperation those last few minutes," JJ Redick said.
Ben Simmons started the rally with a big dunk. Landry Shamet then drilled a three, followed by Redick's clutch four-point play with 1:00 left. Corey Brewer made one of two foul shots in the closing seconds to give the Sixers a two-point lead, one they held onto to improve to 32-17 and 21-5 at home.
THINGS ARE HAPPENING.Here's everything you need. Sixers up one,121-120. pic.twitter.com/Dw86lwNNwV
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 24, 2019Here are my observations.
Defense, defense, defense
The 76ers scored the last 10 points to squeak out this win, but it doesn't happen if they don't make six consecutive stops on the other end, which included Joel Embiid and Wilson Chandler blocking DeMar DeRozan on two different possessions.
YOU LOVE TO SEE IT! pic.twitter.com/j6np6iKeZ4
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 24, 2019DENIED!@wilsonchandler | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/DaTGCebqXv
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 24, 2019"I thought Wilson was maybe the main reason we won the game," Brown said. "...I think when you really zoom in and you look at the plays that Wilson was making, we were comfortable having him on DeRozan."
Wilson was responsible for the four-time All-Star down the stretch, and really made his mark on this victory.
For as much as people talk about how important it is for the likes of Joel Embiid, Simmons and Jimmy Butler (who missed his second straight game with a wrist injury) to get on offense, the Sixers won't reach there goals if there's no defense involved. Brown feels that's why they were able to erase an eight point deficit.
Embiid's dominance remains critical
Joel Embiid struggled in the first half against the Spurs shooting five-of-14 from the floor. But, he finished the game 13-of-28, which included scoring 14 straight points for the Sixers between the third and fourth quarters. Even though he was without a bucket during that 10-0 run, he still put up a scary 33 points and 19 rebounds.
"For us to win, I had to show up and I did the best I could," Embiid said.
Embiid played through back tightness again, which is a credit to him for toughing it out during this important 12-game stretch.
Simmons impact on the late game rally
It's very easy to be critical of Simmons when he passes up open jump shots, especially in crucial moments of games. I'd be lying if I told you I don't do that. However, you can't deny the impact he can have on defense's when he's able to be aggressive with dribble penetration and slashes to the basket, even if a jumper isn't an option.
Facts are facts, and the facts show Simmons played a part in every single productive offensive possession during the 10-0 run. He drove to the basket for a dunk to get the rally started. He assisted Shamet's corner three and Redick's four-point play. While Embiid is the straw that stirs the Sixers drink, Simmons leadership on both ends of the floor is outstanding.
"We're all trusting each other for each one of us to do our jobs the right way," Simmons said. "I think we're just stepping up and learning. Everyone's really getting better."
By the way, Simmons took some jump shots against the Spurs and didn't look too bad. Simmons is certainly getting better.
Shamet's contributions can't be overlooked
It's been an infamous stretch for Sixers rookies since "The Process" era started. They usually don't contribute their first year out of college because of injuries, but that's not the case for Shamet, who's a regular part of the team's rotation off the bench. Pregame, Brown admitted the Sixers might not have the record they do if it wasn't for Shamet's contributions.
"I say it all the time, he is a grown-up," Redick said. "He's not your typical rookie. He's got a man's demeanor, a man's poise. He's got a lot of confident in himself, a quiet confidence, but he's got a lot of confidences in himself. It's fun to see a guy who's 21 years old and is already, basically a pro. He acts like a pro, he plays like a pro."
Shamet was a late first round draft pick. The Sixers landed Nerlens Noel, Michael Carter-Williams, Jahlil Okafor and Markelle Fultz in the lottery, and those guys combined never, and in Fultz's case haven't, come close to doing what this kid is about three months into his NBA career.
Sixers need to keep Brewer
Brewer started his second game in a row for Butler and continued to give outstanding energy that's played a part in back-to-back wins. There's no word on what will happen to Brewer beyond his 10-day contract, which is at its end, but the Sixers need to keep him for at least the rest of the season. He's a pro's pro, provides depth and plays his tail off. You can never have enough of those guys on a basketball team.
Mysterious "creature" inside Wells Fargo Center
The viral highlight of Embiid's post game press conference was when everyone heard a very audible sound from the ceiling. It sounded like something was crawling from one end of the room to the other inside the ceiling. It got a hilarious reaction from the Sixers center.
Joel Embiid's reaction to something that was crawling inside the ceiling above him #Sixers pic.twitter.com/QBRwqJHWQW
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) January 24, 2019If it is in fact a "roof rat," I'd hide all food and edible items that are close to the Sixers/Flyers press conference room/hallway (it's really a hallway).
Someone on Twitter joked it was Bryan Colangelo.
Someone check on the Sixers ceremonial bell
The Sixers started a cool tradition with the ringing of their ceremonial bell before every home game. Phillies Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola and manager Gabe Kapler were Wednesday's honorees. Kapler might've caused another crack in the bell.
Ringing the bell a little before baseball season.A bold lineup of Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola and Gabe Kapler rang us in tonight at Wells Fargo Center! pic.twitter.com/6PquKxOwb4
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 24, 2019"Pop" jokes Brown is "Full of (expletive)" and a "Kiss (expletive)"
Brett Brown called Pop the greatest coach ever and Pop called Brown "full of s**t." -- pic.twitter.com/sJd7DLHlt5
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) January 24, 2019Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is one of my favorite sports subjects to listen to, and he certainly didn't disappoint prior to Wednesday's game.
He was asked about Brown calling him the greatest coach the NBA has even seen.
Popovich responded, "So full of (expletive.) That's why I got rid of him. Kiss (expletive)."
Popovich even followed that up by asking a San Antonio reporter why he didn't laugh at his joke. The day Popovich leaves the NBA will be a sad one not only for the sport of basketball, but for those of us who love a good quote, or two.
