It’s been a long road for the 76ers, but the team are finally surging in the right direction and at an alarming pace too. A flurry of young, dominant talent headlines the show that has been orchestrated by a coach who thrives when connecting with his players. This is a Sixers team that plays hard each and every second of the game and the Celtics are aware.
“They just compete.” Said Aron Baynes, a player who knows the Sixers head coach very well. “Brett Brown has them competing every time they step on the floor. It doesn’t matter if they’re down by 20, they’re gonna go out and play the entire time and make you work for every single possession. They don’t take any plays off and that’s what we need to work on as well, staying consistent. That’s what helps you play late into the season.”
The Sixers aren’t just riding a four game win streak, but one where the winter blues are left behind them. In each of their last four wins, the pride of Philadelphia have put up over 100 points. Firing on all cylinders, veteran J.J Redick is beginning to find his rhythm while Dario Saric is drilling threes at an alarming rate. Development is the focus and that all starts with the veterans.
“The biggest difference this year with Philly is adding Simmons who is a special player.” Said Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens after practice on Tuesday. “They’ve done a good job of mixing in some older players. Adding Amir Johnson, adding J.J Redick, Bayless is playing a great role for them, Covington is getting to the point now where he’s a veteran. These are guys who have been there and done it for a long time and that’s helpful when you have young players to lean on those guys.”
The Sixers arrived in London earlier today in order to prepare for their Thursday evening matchup against the Boston Celtics. Momentum is at an all-time high and Boston are doing their due diligence to ensure this renewed rivalry ends in their favor. The Sixers have lost both games against the Celtics this season but will look to end that drought with an explosive performance at the 02 Arena on Thursday.
For Baynes, his relationship with the Sixers Head Coach goes far beyond the team’s intertwined rivalries, making this matchup a little bit more meaningful. “He’s a great bloke.” Said the Aussie. “On and off the court he’s always up for a chat. I enjoyed my time with ‘Brownie’ and thankful to call him a mate. Even when Philly weren’t winning any games, he kept them playing for 48 minutes. But now there’s more depth and talent there, it’s an even tougher challenge.”
Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
