For the first time since Brett Brown's first season, the 76ers are 3-0. In fact, they're the only undefeated team left in the Eastern Conference after a 105-103 win at the Hawks and 117-111 victory at the Pistons.
Three down, 79-plus to go.
A lot stood out over the past two games, and here are some observations from the W's.
Overcoming Adversity
So far, the most impressive aspect about the 2019-20 Sixers is their ability to erase deficits and fight back in games that feature struggles.
They got off to a slow start opening night, but were absolutely tremendous defensively en route to beating the Celtics by double digits.
Saturday night in Detroit, the Pistons led the Joel Embiid-less Sixers by 13. However, Tobias Harris anchored a furious third quarter comeback and Al Horford hit big buckets in the fourth.
It was the first time this season Brown's squad played without Embiid.
"It's just part of the rhythm beat of a NBA 82-game schedule," Brown said after last Friday's practice when asked about potentially not having Embiid (right ankle sprain) or Mike Scott (left ankle sprain, ended up laying) against Detroit. "You just move on. You really do. You move on. They're getting good care. They're being well looked after, and you move on."
They "moved on" well without their "crown jewel."
Monday in Atlanta, neither Harris nor Horford played well, but Embiid returned and looked like he didn't miss a beat. He took over down the stretch as the 76ers erased an eight-point deficit with under five minutes to go, scoring eight of the team's final 13 points.
Their resiliency is very impressive.
Embiid Rules The Day
-- @JoelEmbiid erupts for 36 PTS, 13 REB & the GAME WINNING free throws in the @sixers' victory! #PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/vMJzcoL0FH
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2019Embiid was sub-par offensively against Boston, but dominated in his second game of the season against the Hawks—scoring 36 points with 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
With the game tied in the closing seconds, Embiid used his physicality to gain space down low, get the ball, get fouled and hit the go ahead foul shots.
It was clutch, like Jimmy Butler clutch.
Embiid is embracing the role of "closer," which Butler held before becoming a member of the Miami Heat.
J-Rich's Defense
When Butler was traded to the Heat, a lot of fans were upset. It was understandable, but hopefully they realize that Josh Richardson is no slouch. In fact, his defense is elite.
He has led the Sixers starters in plus-minus every game, and did a nice job slowing down Trae Young after a bad defensive first quarter by the 76ers, which they allowed 40 points.
"J-Rich's" plus-minus is so good because he's so outstanding on the other end of the floor.
Depth No Longer An Issue
On Saturday, Brown gave Raul Neto his first significant minutes of the season, and he delivered. Scott hit clutch three's as the Sixers clawed back on the Pistons.
Scott ridiculously got ejected Monday in Atlanta because of a bogus flagrant 2 foul. However, Shake Milton came in and gave some decent minutes before hyper extending a knee. Matisse Thybulle isn't playing like a rookie. And in addition to these guys, James Ennis III, Furkan Korkmaz and Kyle O'Quinn have contributed in some facet through the first three games.
General Manager Elton Brand deserves a lot of credit for fixing a deficiency to last year's team.
Three-Point Shooting
The 76ers three-point shooting was 38.2 percent (13-of-34) against Detroit and 26.8 percent (11-of-41) versus the Hawks. It was even worse facing the Celtics—24.1 percent (seven-of-29).
Shooting the long ball is clearly a weakness of this team. Scott is more than capable of getting hot and Korkmaz can drill a three or two. Harris is streaky, it's not Horford nor Richardson's game and Embiid claims to dislike pulling up from that far.
Brown said on opening night he's looking for a "bomber." In other words, someone who can be relied on to fire away when the team is in desperate need for the impact of a three-pointer. That's something to work on going forward.
