Philly pulling it off
The Sixers topped Indiana on Monday and good, the Sixers needed a win. An opportunity to show us that they saw that we saw what they conducted – that wee spat – during the club's loss to Cleveland last week.
Philly's most recent loss to Cleveland. There were two. While we're here: Philadelphia's most recent of two losses to Cleveland in Philadelphia. Where the 23-18 76ers are only 11-11, even after holding off the prideful Pacers in Philadelphia.
Further home dates to follow: Philadelphia welcomes the Suns on Tuesday, gets to hostin' Houston on Thursday, and opens doors for the visiting Knicks come Saturday afternoon. Philadelphia visits Charlotte next Monday, the Hornets are good now. Milwaukee swings by Philadelphia on Tuesday, the Bucks just held off the Hawks in Atlanta. Kings won four of five, they play in Philly next Thursday. Then Pelicans in Philadelphia, then January ends, then six (Eastern) road games in ten days.
The 76er January is 6-4 so far with a row of quality wins and pair of overtime losses. Those double Cavalier duds did not dull the gleaming grins from inside Monday's clubhouse: Tyrese Maxey's unstartling starting All-Star nod news, Joel Embiid clearing 'QUESTIONABLE' status to return to live action (30 points on 17 shots, nine boards, four dimes, one turnover in 33 minutes) and popping the Pacers. These Sixers even cleared full health earlier in January with Kelly Oubre Jr.'s return. Full health! The Sixers!
Don't ask Kyle Lowry to pass the Presidential Fitness Test, we submit, but an otherwise-clean slate is something to celebrate. The Sixers didn't treat Dec. 2025 like it was the most monstrous month of the season – that would be May – and as a result of sensible rest Joel Embiid bounces (to rim level) on both ends, Paul George is (mostly) there, the rest of the guards love each other (after wins) and that big bell they answer to (with a .500 record).
Victory in Charlotte runs the road record to 13-7, an elite mark. Potentially telling for a group one can already visualize strutting confidently off another team's home court upon taking a 2-0 playoff series lead. Silencing the stunned, standing attendees.
This is January talk, projecting a healthy Joel Embiid plus continued bounce from the NBA's leader in minutes played, sprightly play during the time of season it becomes increasingly tougher to see through the trees. Feels different, though. Feels as if Joel ain't the point, and that Philly banked enough wins and managed enough loads in winter to sustain this sense through spring.
It isn't Embiid's team but he fits into Maxey's group without complication, stilted reflex. The ball doesn't stick, Joel defends on the other end, goodness knows what that leg feels like the next morning.
