LeBron James says the 76ers’ late-game edge comes down to something simple: nobody on the floor is rattled.
That showed up again Sunday, when Philadelphia squeezed past the Chicago Bulls in a game that stayed much closer than the 76ers would have wanted against one of the league’s worst teams. Still, the result fit a pattern that’s been building all season. Philadelphia has been perfect in crunch time, going 8-0 in games that have reached that stage.
James pointed to the group’s experience and composure after the win, and he made it clear that the team’s calm is as important as its star power.
"We have a lot of guys who have been in late-game situations, and we have a no panic button. We understand that we have to get some stops on this end, but if teams make a run, we understand how to be calm on the other end as well," James said about the 76ers' poise after the victory against the Bulls.
That kind of steadiness has become part of the 76ers’ identity since they added James and traded for Jaylen Brown. The talent was always the obvious headline. What has started to stand out, though, is how well Philadelphia handles pressure when the game tightens up.
With James steering the group, there’s a built-in sense of control. But this isn’t just about one veteran keeping everyone settled. The 76ers have enough scorers and enough decision-makers to keep their footing when the game gets messy, and that combination has made them one of the league’s toughest teams in clutch moments.
The bigger picture is even more encouraging for Philadelphia. The team has been rolling early, and James’ comments after Sunday’s win only reinforced the idea that the 76ers are still getting sharper. They’ve leaned on their talent to start the season, but the way they’re growing from game to game is what should have the rest of the league paying attention.
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Sixers Leave Chicago With A Bigger Concern Than The Win
The Sixers left Chicago with another win in hand, but the bigger takeaway from a 127-121 finish was how much they had to lean on a short-handed rotation to get there. Philadelphia closed out a 2-1 road trip and moved to 9-2, with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James all topping 20 points while Joel Embiid chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Even with the result secured, the way the game unfolded offered a reminder of how thin the margin can be when injuries start piling up. Philadelphia had to survive a late Bulls push in the final minutes, and the fact that the Sixers needed so much from their top names just to hold on may matter more than the standings column for now. [Read more 🡒]
Two Former 76ers Camp Hopefuls Just Made Phillys Two-Way Call Look Tough
The Delaware Blue Coats opened their season with an eye-catching 147-point outburst against the Capital City Go-Go, and the biggest reason was a pair of familiar names to anyone who followed 76ers training camp. Jameer Nelson Jr. poured in a game-high 39 points while also filling the box score with assists, rebounds and steals, and Saint Thomas matched him with 39 points of his own.
Thomas added 10 rebounds for a double-double, giving the Blue Coats a front-line presence to go with the scoring barrage. For the 76ers, it was a reminder that the two-way competition in camp was not an easy call, because both players showed the kind of production that can make a team look twice at what it passed on. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Suddenly Face Two Rotation Questions Against Philly
Chicago is heading into its matchup with Philadelphia with its frontcourt and wing depth still in flux, even as help is on the way. Nic Claxton is expected to make his Bulls debut after missing time with a hamstring injury, though he will be on a minutes restriction, while Jalen Smith is listed as probable despite dealing with a finger issue.
The Bulls also have a pair of rotation spots hanging in the balance, with Norman Powell questionable because of a shoulder injury and Tobe Awaka questionable with an MCL issue. Zach Collins and Dailyn Swain have already been ruled out, leaving Chicago to sort through a patchwork lineup before facing a 76ers team that can punish any thin bench in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]