For years, the Philadelphia 76ers struggled with futility and loathingly watched the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets grab media attention.
This is no longer the case.
This ragtag group of ballplayers has put the word “team” back into the NBA vocabulary. Seven players on the team average double digits in points per game.
At 12-5, the Sixers are vying for more than just redemption. The team is tied for the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia looks like one of the most efficient teams in the NBA. With an average age of 26.34, the Sixers might be around for a while, too.
The clear difference between other Sixers’ teams and this year’s edition is second-year coach Doug Collins, who should be the early favorite for NBA Coach of the Year. His fast-paced, unselfish offense brings a new perspective on basketball to a superstar-craving league.
This mentality, combined with a stifling defense — which ranks No. 2 with 88 points allowed per game — has made the team look unbeatable.
Since the season is shortened because of the lockout, the Sixers are likely to get their first division crown since the 2000-01 season — and maybe their first NBA title since 1983.
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