Philadelphia 76ers: 3 key observations after first 10 games

Currently on a five-game winning streak, here are three key observations from the first 10 games of the season for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Process is finally starting to pay off.

It may just be 10 games into the 2017-18 NBA season, but the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in almost unchartered territory of recent times. As holders of a five-game winning streak, the Sixers have a 6-4 record, the first time they have been two games over .500 since October 2013.

After a four-year period in which they compiled a 75-253 record, the patience of the Sixers’ players, coaching staff and fans alike is seemingly being rewarded. The key, naturally, has been the health and availability of key players who have missed substantial time in recent seasons. Center Joel Embiid and rookie Ben Simmons in particular have been instrumental following their return from long-term injuries.

In a broad sense, the Sixers have improved notably in a couple of areas. First of all, in the modern-era of 3-point shooting, the Sixers have made a sizable leap this season. After finishing 25th last season in 3-point percentage at 34.0 percent, they are currently ranked third at an excellent 39.9 percent clip. The addition of veteran J.J. Redick, along with the continued development of forward Robert Covington, has helped significantly in this area.

Furthermore, the defensive end has been a real strength of the Sixers thus far. Ranked 17th last season for defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 106.4, the Sixers have jumped to eighth this season with a rating of 101.9.

So in the midst of their current five-game West Coast road trip, here are three key observations from their first 10 games of the season.