The Sixers are kicking off the season like absolute defensive juggernauts, racking up six wins in seven games and planting themselves third in the league in defensive rating. Through these first seven matchups, they are showing a relentless “want-to” on defense, digging in hard at the most critical moments. It is early, yes, but the foundation is clearly there.
D-Fense is the Vibe in Philly
The numbers don’t lie, even this early. Philly is sitting pretty with a 105.4 defensive rating, good for third in the entire league, and they are holding opponents to a 105.0 halfcourt rating, which is fifth best. It is all about the effort, the connection, and that sheer willingness to fight on that end of the floor. Even LeBron James, after their recent win over the Knicks, straight up said, “We definitely hang our hats on the defensive end so far this season.” You don’t hear that from a guy with his resume every day, especially when he’s talking about his own squad.
Key Players Stepping Up, No Excuses
You gotta hand it to them, this Sixers squad has some serious defensive talent. VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are all standout defenders doing work. Even Joel Embiid, before his current foot problems, looked like he was getting back to that elite rim-protector form we know he can bring. And LeBron James, just a couple months shy of his 42nd birthday, is playing like a man recommitted to defense after some slippage in recent seasons. He’s showing that fire!
What is really impressive, though, are guys like Tyrese Maxey and Anfernee Simons. They are not typically known for their defense, but they are absolutely putting in the effort. Maxey is just being Maxey, all out, all the time. Simons knows he needs to play tough defense to stay on the floor in big moments because he is such an offensive weapon, and he is delivering. Edgecombe summed it up perfectly: “We are just willing to guard, and that’s important. We’re connected. In training camp, we obviously worked on our standard, our principles. And I say we just kind of execute from there.” He added that the payoff is huge, saying, “We know, if we get some stops, we get out and have fun from there.”
Defense First Mentality
With so many new pieces on this team, it is usually tough to get everyone on the same page offensively right out of the gate. LeBron James pointed out that it is often easier for a team with new faces to gel on the defensive end first. “The offense usually comes after that,” he explained, “because guys are just kind of figuring it out and being on the floor with one another.” It makes total sense. Get those stops, build that chemistry, and the points will follow.
Look, it is not even two weeks into the season, so the weight of these seven games isn’t the same as in May or June. There are always caveats: Embiid’s health, LeBron’s age, the backup center situation (again). But what they are showing on defense right now, with that effort and connection, is a real foundation. These guys are locked in on making D their identity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Liberty Ballers.
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