Ersan Ilyasova   

When Philadelphia traded Jermi Grant for Ersan Ilyasova few thought the foreign born player would boost Philly’s rebounding. Oddly enough, that is just what the forward has done. Ilyasova managed to lead the 76ers in rebounding in each game this week.

Ersan has also been a pleasant boost to a Philly club in need of a shooter capable of creating space. The forward has provided both and surprised many, yours truly included, in the process. This week was no different as Ilyasova registered a double-double in two of three games played.

His presence on the floor has taken pressure off of Embiid and Okafor, and has enabled the young big men to operate in space and minimal double teams.

In the 101 – 94 win against the Miami Heat it was Ersan’s rebounding in the second quarter (grabbed five) that helped the Sixers to a halftime lead. A lead they would never relinquish, as he finished up with 10 points and 11 rebounds.   
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Firing Away

Few NBA clubs attempt more three point shots then the 76ers, to date Philly rests at number six for three point attempts per game. So it should surprise no one when the attempts exceed 30 or so. Just as they did this week against the Memphis Grizzlies.

However, there should be concern when shots are not fired or fired in reckless abandon. In an overtime loss to the Grizzlies Philadelphia attempted 36 threes, which is exceedingly high for a squad that is absent a top 20 player in three point field goal percentage. In addition Philly does not have a player currently occupying a top 20 spot in three point shots made or attempted.

In a blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls the Sixers only attempted 22 threes, making nine. Somewhere in the middle of 36 and 22 lies a happy medium of efficiency and success. It is imperative the 76ers find and remain steadfast in that medium. 
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Bitter Sweet………………Revenge

After a three day break Philly returned to the court to face the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers arrived in the midst of their own three game winning streak, and gave the 76ers all they could handle.

Portland led throughout and despite a late three by the Sixers’ Andrew Toney to cut the Blazers lead to one point, Philadelphia never could get in front, losing 106 – 103. The combination of shooter Calvin Natt (22 points) and the paint presence of forward Kenny Carr (12 boards and two blocks) proved to be too much for the Sixers to overcome.

Philadelphia would play four games in five nights this week and once again the star was Moses Malone. The man affectionately known as the “Chairman of the Boards” earned his name sake this week. Malone averaged 17 rebounds and shot 82 percent from the stripe for those four contests.

Malone’s dominance in the Portland loss (22 points and 21 rebounds) held strong throughout the week. The future MVP would finish off the week with a 32 point and 23 rebound performance in a 126 – 113 win against the Utah Jazz. 
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Nik Stauskas 

With four games of 10 or more points and consistent defensive effort, Nik Stauskas claims this week’s star. The guard was efficient and productive as the Sixers went 2 -2 for the week. Stauskas shot the ball well, going an astonishing 11 for 14 from the inside the three point line. Not to be overlooked was the swingman output from beyond the arc, where the former Michigan Wolverine’s hot hand continued going 11 for 20.

The guard’s effort on the defensive end was there, even if the results were not. While no one will ever confuse No. 11 as a defensive juggernaut, if he gives consistent effort on that end good things will always happen.

The week was highlighted by Sauce’s 21 point effort in a 120 – 105 win against the Phoenix Suns. Stauskas shot a blistering 5 for 6 from three and was credited for only two turnovers.

Consistency is now the goal for Nik.
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33 and a third

The Sixers currently sit in the top ten in team assists per game, and are the only team averaging less than 100 points per doing so. Twice this week Philadelphia eclipsed the 30 assists mark (30 against the Washington Wizards & 33 against the Phoenix Suns) coincidently both games ended in the win column for Philly.

There are few ways to measure success outside of wins and losses, but energy, effort and growth are always evident. The 76ers have shown both energy and effort this season, and are continuing to grow hopefully that growth will transform into wins and losses.
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Back to Perfect

Philadelphia would return to form this week, going 3 – 0. The Sixers best performance came in a 17 point victory over the Detroit Pistons. Maurice Cheeks would pace the club, as he tied for a team high 24 points and registered a game high 11 assists.   

The defensive combination of Maurice Cheeks and Andrew Toney would wear down a young future Hall of Fame guard named Isiah Thomas. The two would hold Thomas to a paltry 6 for 17 shooting night on his way to a pedestrian 15 points.

​Just four nights earlier Isiah exploded for a 30 point performance against the New York Knicks. Cheeks gave the guard all he could handle as the 76ers went undefeated for the week after beating the Milwaukee Bucks 121 – 109.  
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Joel Embiid 

In a week that featured four games, it was the one win that takes precedent. Rarely does a win supersede multiple losses, but with the infrequency of wins such a celebration is necessary. Considering limited minutes and where will Nerlens Noel end up are often the headlines when discussing the 76ers it is good to have a win be the lead topic.

The win against Indiana and its top performer should be celebrated accordingly.

Joel Embiid struggled from the floor going 6 for 18, but in that strife still found success. The center put pressure on the Indiana Pacers to the tune of 14 free throw attempts, making 12. In a game that would eventually be won in overtime the Sixers would need every point from their young gunner.

Embiid was not afraid of the moment, taking 11 shots in the fourth quarter and overtime combined (making four). However, the foul line was where he shined going a sizzling 7 for 8 from the stripe in the fourth and overtime. This precision included two “and-1’s”.

It is evident the big man still has many miles left on his journey to greatness, but continues to standout in a crowded frontcourt with his natural ability.  
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No More than 24

Jahlil Okafor appears to have found his scoring touch. With monitored minutes being the focal point for both Embiid and Okafor, it is easy to lose sight of the development of each player. Add the hype and sensationalism surrounding Embiid and the 2015 third overall pick is virtually an afterthought.

Yet, Jah’s recent offensive play deserves plenty of thought.

16 points per on 55 percent shooting is impressive, but at an average of no more than 24 minutes a night is equally impressive. Okafor looks to finally have that scoring feeling back, which is a welcomed sight.

​As the season continues, it will interesting to watch Okafor succeed despite numerous obstacles.
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The First Loss

The week featured the season’s highest points total (145), and the season’s first loss.  
Philadelphia began the week dismantling Orlando Woolridge, Reggie Theus and Chicago Bulls in front of 13,000 plus. The 76ers would make 62 field goals, have nine players score in double figures, and attempt only two three-point shots en route to dropping 145 points.

That winning feeling would not last long as just two nights later the Indiana Pacers would arrive in town and accomplish what very few teams could. The Pacers were a sub .500 team (2 – 4) when they hit the Spectrum floor, conversely their opponent sat undefeated (6 – 0) and had just come off their most dominate performance to date.

Indiana would take a 59 – 53 halftime lead, however Philly seemed to be running on all cylinders and would enter the fourth quarter ahead 83 – 79. The Sixers would watch as future Atlanta Hawks General Manager Billy Knight went off, to the tune of 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. Knight would finish the night with 30 points in all. Philadelphia would be outscored 38 – 25 in the fourth and lose the game 117 – 108.

​The 76ers bounced back the next night against the New Jersey Nets 110 – 100, thanks to doubles-doubles from Moses Malone (27 points & 10 rebounds) and Maurice Cheeks (11 points & 11 assists).    
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Dario Saric

​It is often said in the sports’ world, the best ability is availability. Keeping with that logic, along with significant growth from week one to week two is why “the homie” gets this week’s Gold Star.

The 76ers have made the conscience decision to play two players, Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid, despite feeling that neither player is completely healed enough to play unrestricted NBA basketball. Therefore, Okafor and Embiid have been placed on restricted minutes and subsequently restricted development.

Yet, nature always finds a way and in this case that “way” is Dario Saric.

The stifling of those big men have enabled baptism by fire for Saric. The Croatian has been put in difficult spot of learning how to shoot, while essentially being shot at. The forward to date has shown a toughness and desire that should make him a viable NBA player.

Saric finished the week +11 in three games, posting 12.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per. Dario’s toughness was on display in a close game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The forward was struggling from the floor, but seemed determined to have an impact on the game. Despite not playing the final 5:40 of the fourth quarter, Saric still managed to grab three rebounds in the quarter and his hustle was key in keeping Philly within striking distance. 
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Four the love of three

It is difficult to say a player’s highest scoring performance may have been their worst offensive performance. However, Joel Embiid’s 22 point scoring output against the Cleveland Cavaliers was just that.

The center was lauded for his three ball game, as he shot 4 – 4, but lost in the applause was four free throw attempts. This lack of paint presence and specifically, the center’s penchant for straying away from the paint could prove to be a problem for “the Problem”.

​Embiid is still learning how to incorporate his love for long distance shooting into the repertoire. The center will soon realize while shooting threes will get him numbers, it will be his post game that gets the necessary wins. 
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October 31st – November 6th

This week was highlighted by an early clash of the titans as the Boston Celtics rolled into Philadelphia. The 76ers disposed of the San Diego Clippers (130 – 111) and Detroit Pistons (120 – 109) respectfully and were ready for Larry Bird and crew.

Philly held a two point halftime lead, and would win the contest in double overtime 119 – 115. Moses Malone gave the Celtics 28 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, but it was the good Doctor who would bring the 76ers back and eventually bring the win home.

Erving kept Philadelphia afloat after a 33 point third quarter by Boston. The forward would send the game into overtime with an eight-footer and appeared to secure the victory, only to have Larry Bird send the game into a second overtime. A jumper by Dr. J with 38 seconds remaining and a late steal by Andrew Toney would keep Philly undefeated.  
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