The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a stellar start this season, boasting a 4-1 record through their first five games. But how have they managed to succeed with such a challenging injury-plagued roster? The answer lies in the team's innovative small-ball lineup and the emergence of several key players.
A crucial component of the Sixers' success has been their ability to create a formidable three-guard trio with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes. When all five starters are on the court together – including Kelly Oubre Jr., who has taken on a small-ball power forward role – they boast an impressive net differential of +46.9. This lineup combination has yielded elite numbers on both offense (138.5 Offensive Rating) and defense (91.6 Defensive Rating).
So, what makes this trio so effective? According to Maxey, the team's preparation and familiarity with each other have been key factors in their success. The duo also credits the value of having multiple shooters and ball-handlers on the court at once.
Meanwhile, the Sixers' defensive anchor Adem Bona has been a revelation this season. With 11 blocks across his last four games, Bona is second only to Victor Wembanyama in blocks per 36 minutes. While not perfect – he needs to work on discipline and reducing his foul rate – Bona's shot-blocking ability makes him an elite rim protector.
However, Justin Edwards' spot-up shooting has been a major letdown so far this season, with the young guard struggling from beyond the arc. Edwards remains confident in his abilities and emphasizes the importance of separating process from result. He acknowledges that growth is a long-term process and looks forward to continuing to work on his shot-making skills.
As the Sixers continue their push for success, it will be interesting to see how they incorporate reinforcements like Paul George and Jared McCain into their rotation. For now, coach Nick Nurse's innovative lineup decisions have been paying dividends, leading the team to a promising start to the season.
A crucial component of the Sixers' success has been their ability to create a formidable three-guard trio with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes. When all five starters are on the court together – including Kelly Oubre Jr., who has taken on a small-ball power forward role – they boast an impressive net differential of +46.9. This lineup combination has yielded elite numbers on both offense (138.5 Offensive Rating) and defense (91.6 Defensive Rating).
So, what makes this trio so effective? According to Maxey, the team's preparation and familiarity with each other have been key factors in their success. The duo also credits the value of having multiple shooters and ball-handlers on the court at once.
Meanwhile, the Sixers' defensive anchor Adem Bona has been a revelation this season. With 11 blocks across his last four games, Bona is second only to Victor Wembanyama in blocks per 36 minutes. While not perfect – he needs to work on discipline and reducing his foul rate – Bona's shot-blocking ability makes him an elite rim protector.
However, Justin Edwards' spot-up shooting has been a major letdown so far this season, with the young guard struggling from beyond the arc. Edwards remains confident in his abilities and emphasizes the importance of separating process from result. He acknowledges that growth is a long-term process and looks forward to continuing to work on his shot-making skills.
As the Sixers continue their push for success, it will be interesting to see how they incorporate reinforcements like Paul George and Jared McCain into their rotation. For now, coach Nick Nurse's innovative lineup decisions have been paying dividends, leading the team to a promising start to the season.
They're killing it on D 
with that three-guard combo 
and Adem Bona is a beast 
! Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are so smooth 
, it's like they were meant to play together 
. And Kelly Oubre Jr. 
is bringing that power forward flair 
️. Now, let's see how Paul George fits in 
... I'm hyped for the Sixers' season 
?
. I get it, growth is a process and all, but it's still gotta be frustrating for the fans to see him struggling so much from beyond the arc. And don't even get me started on Paul George joining the team and how that's gonna shake things up 
.
.
4-1 is insane for an injury-plagued team 
He's like the X-factor that makes their defense pop 
, I mean, who needs all those big dudes on the court when you can just play fast and get easy buckets? 
The addition of Paul George and Jared McCain will definitely be interesting to watch, but for now, I'm loving the Sixers' vibe. 
blocking shots left and right. but edwards needs to step up his game 
️. coach nick nurse is pulling off some magic 
with those lineup decisions. can't wait to see paul george and jared mccain shake things up 
. I mean don't get me wrong, Tyrese Maxey and company are on fire, but is it really that simple? Like what about the injuries that forced them to switch up their whole starting 5? Are we giving too much props to Coach Nurse's "innovation" when they're just adapting to circumstances? 
! The 76ers' three-guard trio is on fire 
. But for real tho, Tyrese Maxey's got some silky skills 
, VJ Edgecombe's like the cool older cousin who always has the squad's back 
, he's like a giant wall of blocks