As the 2020-2021 NBA season approaches the halfway point, the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers are leading the Eastern Conference sitting at 24 wins and 12 losses. Sixers are taking over the league by storm with Joel Embiid as the MVP frontrunner, Ben Simmons’s rise of defensive prowess, and Doc Rivers’s impressive coaching that transformed the franchise into an NBA Championship contender. So far, the Sixers managed to adapt and thrive under Doc Rivers’s first year of leadership, while maintaining the facets that were successful throughout the past several seasons.
Closing out the first half of the season, Joel Embiid and the Sixers put on a thriller against the infamous Utah Jazz. When these two teams first faced On February 15, 2021 without Embiid, Simmons and Harris were put under the spotlight; although they could not claim the win, they combined for a total of 78 points, 14 assists, and 19 rebounds! The Utah Jazz have dominated the league this season with their elaborate Three-and-Defense scheme and immense firepower. Nevertheless, the Sixers overcame the Jazz on Mar. 3, in a nail-biter overtime win. The Sixers ended the first half of the season with optimism, and Joel Embiid entertained once again with a 40 point and 19 rebound game, proving why he is the front runner for this year’s MVP award.
Thus far, Joel Embiid has taken control of the league, becoming the number one force that opposing teams fear most. Although he stands at seven feet, he has showcased his vast skill set ranging from difficult shot variations and his ability to play bully ball in the paint– a combination very few centers have. Averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds per-game, he is considered one of the best centers in the modern era. Speaking of skill-set, Ben Simmons stepped up defensively this season, building up his superstar resume with defensive and offensive skills. Simmons and Embiid have proven thus far with their in-game performance that they are one of the most lethal duos in the league.
Although Sixers have triumphed this season, there are some concerns that may prevent their championship aspirations. Joel Embiid’s consistent performances have been a facade of the bench’s weaknesses. The supporting cast around Embiid has become too dependent on him. It is a real fright that if Embiid’s responsibility were put on other players, that they would not be able to rise to expectations. In addition, the firepower in Brooklyn, is closely riding the heels of the Sixers, as the road to first place is going to be bumpy and challenging.
As the Sixers have remained prominent in the East, they still have 50 percent of the season left before 16 teams can compete for one golden dream. Adversity and pressure have been circling this team for years; this is the Sixers’ golden opportunity to show the world what they are capable of, but only time will tell.
