Philadelphia 76ers raise their offensive game as team gathers steam

After a relatively slow start to the season, the Philadelphia 76ers have certainly raised their game on the offensive end of the floor.

With a number of key new pieces having been inserted into their rotation, there was always a chance the Philadelphia 76ers would take some time to find their footing this season.

Veterans J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson were signed during the offseason. Another veteran, Jerryd Bayless, who has now started every game this season, played just three games last season in his debut year for the Sixers. Furthermore, this year’s No. 1 overall pick, Markelle Fultz, and the 2016 No. 1 overall pick, Ben Simmons, had yet to debut in the league.

But if their most recent performances are any indication, it appears this transition period may be close to expiring.

Following their 115-107 road win over the Houston Rockets, the Sixers improved their record to 3-4, currently finding themselves in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. While they’ve given up 107.3 points per game over their past three games, the strides they have made on the offensive end have been profound.

First 4 games

• Points per game: 99.5 (22nd)
• Offensive rating (points per 100 possessions): 95.3 (27th)
• Field goal percentage: 42.4 (25th)
• Assists per game: 22.0 (12th)

Last 3 games

• Points per game: 110.3 (7th)
• Offensive rating: 108.1 (7th)
• Field goal percentage: 49.2 (4th)
• Assists per game: 27.0 (12th)

Quite clearly, there’s been a significant improvement in efficiency at the offensive end. Joel Embiid increased his scoring from 19.7 points per game over the first four games to 22.0 per game over the past three. Likewise, Simmons increased his scoring rate from 17.0 points per game to 20.3 per game over this period.

But it’s been the improved play of key reserves that’s been a huge factor in the Sixers raising their offense to the next level. Backup point guard T.J. McConnell has been instrumental at both ends of the floor, but his offensive game has taken the most notable.

McConnell’s first 4 games:

• Points per game: 3.3
• Field goal percentage: 38.5
• Offensive rating: 84.3
• Assists per game: 2.8

Last 3 games:

• Points per game: 10.7
• Field goal percentage: 56.0
• Offensive rating: 112.7
• Assists per game: 7.3

McConnell’s inspired play certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed, as head coach Brett Brown stated following the Sixers’ recent road win against the Dallas Mavericks in which McConnell posted 15 points and eight assists:

"“He’s a winner….he coexists with our guys, guys love playing with him. He plays with a spirit that we want our team recognized for, and tonight he played big minutes and he was a significant contributor in the win tonight.”"

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/925183078779244545

Another player who has stepped up his game significantly is second-year swingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. Like McConnell, Luwawu-Cabarrot struggled in his initial appearances, but has certainly risen to the occasion in his most recent performances:

Luwawu-Cabarrot’s first 4 games:

• Points per game: 3.5
• Field goal percentage: 23.5
• Offensive rating: 86.6

Last 3 games:

• Points per game: 11.5
• Field goal percentage: 60.0
• Offensive rating: 130.2

As can be seen in the below highlights, Luwawu-Cabarrot’s most recent performance featured him scoring 11 of his season-high 17 points in the Sixers’ win over the Houston Rockets.

This rise in the Sixers’ offensive game has been made more impressive by the fact that Redick has been sidelined for the past two games with a back injury.

Looking ahead, the Sixers have a pair of home games against the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers embarking on a hectic five-game West Coast road trip.

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So with the chance to earn a winning record before heading out on their first long trip of the season, the Sixers will certainly be looking to continue with the efficient brand of offense they’ve crafted in recent games.