The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals and maybe even win it all. They are on top of the conference with a stellar win-loss record, but dissecting their impressive record reveals that the Sixers are the best team in the clutch.
Per Sixers reporter Brian Seltzer, Philly holds a 75 percent winning record in clutch games. This speaks volumes about their capacity to execute in pressure situations—an imperative trait that only elite teams possess.
One of my favorite @sixers stats?
They're now 24-8 in clutch games. The .750 win % is far and away the best in the league.
They've found different ways to win close games all season long. Think the group has great mettle.#HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/JjF3ooYQSR
— brianseltzer (@brianseltzer) May 4, 2021
While the Sixers have qualified for the playoffs for four straight years, the 2020-21 NBA season can be labeled as their breakout year. As of writing, they are the kings of the East. More than their record, analysts and fans have been impressed with their style of play.
Head coach Doc Rivers has done a splendid job at utilizing Joel Embiid's prowess in the paint. Before, he would panic and make the wrong decisions when double-teamed. Now, the Sixers center remains calm and collected, carefully reading the play before making a decision.
The addition of veterans Danny Green and Dwight Howard seemed to have integrated a winning attitude within the club. Yes, they're not punishing opponents every single night, but the two have amassed tons of experience over the years. Fans do not see what goes on off the court, but it's easy to imagine Green and Howard giving Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid some of the secrets they've learned.
Critics might say that the playoffs are a different beast and so the Sixers' win-loss record does not guarantee a deep playoff run. However, their clutch record reveals what the team is capable of.
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