Trusting "the Process" through the dog days of misery might've been endless and grueling when it felt as though favorable results were simply a pipedream. So, maybe they're playing with house money. However, there's no NBA team with more pressure on them this postseason than the Philadelphia 76ers. Of course, winning the NBA Finals is no easy task. But one could argue that this season is a failure for the team if it doesn't end with a parade on Broad Street.
Forget about their slow first-half starts in the East playoffs to this point, Joel Embiid's thumb injury, and Saturday's merciful defeat to the Toronto Raptors, who more closely resemble the league's honorary Canadian G-League team. The Sixers pushed the Dinosaurs close to submission in the first three games, and gave them one win for good measure before preparing to finish them off. There's reason for concern about Philadelphia's early struggles in games, but their ability to come on strong in the second half and persevere through early adversity fits the bill of a team poised to make a deep run.
Sixers general manager Daryl Morey proved he was serious about winning this season, in acquiring superstar James Harden. Although Harden's been a solid piece, sophomore sensation Tyrese Maxey has largely stolen the show, and formed a deadly one-two punch with Embiid, who's a league MVP candidate. Without question, Maxey has and will continue to play a more significant role in the team's playoff success, than Harden. The Beard is clearly better suited to be a pick-me-up sidekick and secondary piece, rather than their center of attention, though he's still crucial in putting them over the hump. This is also an opportune time for Harden to finally exorcise his career playoff demons.
Last year, Philadelphia had a number of reasons why they couldn't get past a once-hot Atlanta Hawks team. Trae Young was unconscious, the Hawks were playing good team basketball, and Ben Simmons decided that he was more interested in flashy cars and mansions than showing up for the fourth quarter of playoff games. It was also the Sixers' first serious run as title contenders, so they deserved a free pass for hitting their ceiling.
Improvement and gaining additional postseason experience -- not winning a championship -- was the main goal. Naturally, overachievement was welcome, and it ultimately became expected. But, the Sixers did lack sufficient pieces. Now, however, their excuses have run out. Maxey has taken a massive step forward as a player, on both ends of the floor. Embiid has largely played with newfound confidence and swagger after Simmons' exit. The supporting cast of Tobias Harris, Danny Green, and Shake Milton regularly provides a much-needed boost.
Philadelphia's strong, well-rounded foundation is a large reason why the team can sustain the crushing blow of having Embiid play at less than 100-percent for the remainder of the postseason. Keeping their superstar on a pitch count -- while ensuring that he plays the most meaningful minutes of a game -- is a model that can work if his teammates rally together and find a way to pick up the slack, offensively.
There are plenty of teams that could represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat all seem like the favorites. As the top-seed, the Heat have massive expectations, while the reigning champion Bucks figure to be right there, too. The Celtics, led by first-year coach Ime Udoka, are playing with an impressive level of toughness and tenacity that makes them a tough out. Regardless, there's an argument to be made that no other team is deeper, more talented, or hungrier than Philly.
In a city that's been starving for a title since the darling underdog Eagles won Super Bowl 53 a few years ago, adding silver and bronze trophies to the shiny case just won't cut it. Diehard fans in the City of Brotherly Love have become restless, with the Eagles having several frustrating campaigns and the Phillies suffering a decades-long MLB postseason drought.
The Sixers represent Philadelphia's best chance at a title in the near future, as the Eagles aren't considered top contenders in a crowded NFC, and the once-beloved Phillies have become stuck in a rut of mediocrity. This Sixers team in particular has captivated the city -- not just because of success, but also due to their likable charm and charisma. Now it's time for them to carve out their spot in sports history by making a statement, and winning a championship.
Jack Stern is a columnist and an associate producer for CBS Sports Radio. You can follow him on Twitter @J_Stern97.