76ers learn the truth about who they are after a five-game road trip

The Philadelphia 76ers began their five-game road trip losing 109–102 to the Chicago Bulls on December 26. Philadelphia was inconsistent and fans questioned its status as an Eastern Conference contender. Eight days later, the 76ers capped their escape by defeating the New York Knicks 130–119, extending their win streak to three. Now the fandom is more optimistic than they have been in years.

Philadelphia finished its road swing with a 3-2 record, picking up wins against New York, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, while falling to Chicago and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It saw several crucial developments such as the resurgence of Joel Embiid, the continued success of VJ Edgcombe and proof that the trio of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George can work.

HAVE FUN AGAIN

The 76ers had a nine-point lead against the Knicks with 26 seconds left on Saturday night. Edgecombe found Embiid cutting to the basket in transition and he threw down his first dunk of the season to secure the win – a possession that reflects his recent playing.

The nine-time all-star has scored 28 points on 60.9% true shooting, seven rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in his last five appearances. This play is a testament to Embiid’s physical improvement from the first game of the year in Philadelphia until now. With every game the 31-year-old plays, he seems to move better at both ends of the court, from his isolated scoring to defensive activities.

Embiid is finding success in a 76ers offense where he no longer needs to average over 30 points to be competitive. He has had little trouble cutting down and outplaying Maxey and Edgecombe, which has only given him good scoring opportunities and reduced his usage. Still, the 2022-2023 Most Valuable Player could return to Philadelphia’s go-to option if necessary.

It’s just a big me

Edgecombe is approaching the point where it’s almost unfair to limit the 76ers’ group of stars to a big three instead of a great four – say that again. The rookie has recorded 23 points in his last three appearances. This period includes his 25-point performance against the Grizzlies on December 30, when he knocked down the game-winning three-pointer in overtime.

The 20-year-old’s growth in just 29 games has been incredible, whether it’s his goals off the dribble or his poise in clutch moments. Rather than stalling with the continued availability of Embiid and George, the guard has remained aggressive: He has been Philadelphia’s third-leading scorer in the last five games. Edgecombe’s ability to break through defenses has lessened the burden on Embiid and George, but he has remained effective without the ball.

FINDING IT OUT

Before starting this road trip, the 76ers had yet to win a game this season with Maxey, Embiid and George. Now on the run home, Philadelphia and its trio have emerged victorious in three straight games.

Before December, Embiid played just seven games and Maxey grew accustomed to serving as the 76ers’ offensive engine. With the center appearing more consistently, he and the former all-star suffered minor setbacks, most notably in Philadelphia’s 114–106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on December 23. Maxey struggled to remain assertive next to Embiid, but they quickly redeveloped chemistry and scored at least 20 points each in their last three games.

The only challenge remaining was integrating George, who was starting to find his role on both ends of the floor. The 35-year-old doesn’t have the offensive responsibilities that Maxey and Embiid have, but he has made his mark by spreading the floor and being an alternate option if a play involving either one goes down. Not to mention, George was the 76ers’ best defender, making timely relief rotations and taking on a variety of matchups.

Although it’s only five games, the development of much-needed cohesion in Philadelphia is impressive and shows the culture change that has begun this season. Now the 76ers (19-14) built their biggest cushion above .500 of the year to show for it.