The 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles framed a movement during their memorable run. And the Philadelphia 76ers look to emulate that very motivation in these NBA Playoffs. The Eagles, who wore dog masks to embrace their then-underdog phase in the midst of the postseason, have clearly blazed a trail around championship mentality in Philly. The Sixers could be next, as they gave the “green light” for fans to wear the same mask during their games going forward.
Originally orchestrated by Eagles players Lane Johnson and Chris Long, Sixers fans will likely be repping the city in this title-hungry nature.
The Sixers, however, don't appear to be underdogs at the moment. They dismantled the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 116-95 on Thursday – a game that had all the feels of a must-win for both teams.
Jimmy Butler noted that the team's talent acquisitions this year has had plenty to do with their recent success.
“When you have some good basketball players out there, the game happens, you make the right plays, you do what you’re supposed to do with the basketball,” Butler said, per Rich Hofmann of The Athletic. “That’s all it is. The game is really, really simple. I think at times we as players decide to make it hard but if you’re open shoot it, if you’re not pass.”
Despite the current 2-1 edge for the Sixers, the belittling essence still exists within this tight-knit series.
Perhaps Game 4 will be overflowing with Sixers/Eagles savants in Wells Fargo Center on Sunday.