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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Dario Saric #9, Joel Embiid #21, and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Dario Saric #9, Joel Embiid #21, and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

With their memorable postseason run having come to an end, here are five takeaways from 2017-18 for the Philadelphia 76ers.

While their playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics was somewhat heartbreaking, there are very few teams in the league possessing a brighter outlook than the Philadelphia 76ers.

Having compiled a 75-253 record over the past four seasons combined, the Sixers surged up the standings to post a 52-30 record.

In the process, they finished in third place in the Eastern Conference, and a result earned home-court advantage for the first round of the postseason.

In their first round matchup with the Miami Heat, the Sixers overcame their distinct lack of playoff experience by taking the series 4-1 while receiving contributions from a whole host of players.

Over the course of the regular season, the Sixers simply got better and better as the year progressed. Despite having a 25-25 record and clinging onto eighth playoff spot in early February, the Sixers found steam with some key late additions, finishing the season with a 16-game winning streak, the highest such mark in the league this season.

Overall, they ranked 11th in offensive rating, third in defensive rating and fourth in net rating. Considering the Sixers ranked 27th overall in 2016-17 for net rating, the turnaround in the space of just 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable.

In addition to center Joel Embiid being the first Sixer named an All-Star since 2013, Ben Simmons is the current red-hot favorite for Rookie of the Year, while second-year forward Dario Saric made exceptional strides as the season progressed.

Despite falling short in the playoffs, this past season being a resounding success. Here are five key takeaways from the 2017-18 campaign for the Philadelphia 76ers.