The Philadelphia 76ers improved to a 10-3 record with a 123-112 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors on November 12, but a persistent flaw is casting a shadow over their strong start. An analysis of their first 13 games reveals the Sixers have trailed by double-digit points on eight separate occasions, forcing them to dig out of big holes in half of their victories.
Despite their impressive win-loss column, the Sixers have developed a habit of starting games slowly. Their recent 123-112 victory against Toronto required erasing a 17-point deficit. This wasn't a one-off event. In five of their ten wins this season, including that Raptors game, Philadelphia has had to mount a significant comeback after falling behind by 10 or more points.
Their recent form of three wins and two losses in the last five games includes some of these shaky performances. They lost 101-123 to the Boston Celtics on November 10 after another slow start. Before that, they needed a comeback to beat the Chicago Bulls 127-121 on November 8.
Consistently playing from behind puts immense strain on a team's stars. Players like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown are forced to expend extra energy just to get back to level terms. Head coach Nick Nurse will be concerned about the defensive lapses that allow these early runs.
While the team's offensive firepower, evidenced by scoring 126 points against Chicago on November 2, can bail them out against lesser opponents, it's a dangerous strategy. Playoff basketball rewards consistency and defensive intensity from the opening tip. You can't expect to rally from 15 points down against elite teams in a seven-game series.
The immediate focus shifts to correcting these starts before they cost the team more games. The schedule offers a quick chance to address the issue, with the Indiana Pacers visiting on November 15. Indiana's high-paced offense will punish any lack of early focus.
Nurse will likely emphasize stronger first-quarter defense and better ball movement to establish an early rhythm. The talent on this roster, with James, Brown, and Joel Embiid, is undeniable. But harnessing that talent from the opening minute is the next step.
If they can solve their early-game woes, the Sixers have the pieces to challenge for the top seed in the East. If not, their 10-3 record might not tell the full story of a team with a potentially fatal flaw.
