5 things we’ve learned from the Philadelphia 76ers’ win streak

4. The Sixers can beat the best

There was great concern that the 76ers were not able to beat the best teams in the NBA. The team’s abysmal record against potential playoff matchups in the East was especially disconcerting.

Before the win streak, the Sixers played a total of eight games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics. Their record against those teams was 1-7. They beat the Raptors on Dec. 22 in Philadelphia, but Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in that contest.

Things have changed. During the win streak, the 76ers defeated both the East-leading Bucks and the arch-rival Celtics for the first time this season. Both games made statements going into the playoffs that this is a new Sixers team and the early games don’t matter.