Dario Saric
This week’s star goes to the Sixers’ least discussed starter, Dario Saric. The go-to topics surrounding the 76ers’remain; Markelle Fultz’s return, Ben Simmons’ jumpshot & Joel Embiid’s health, with Saric’s play a distant afterthought. Yet, the Croatian continues to provide a certain level of toughness and consistency to the current group of Sixers.

It was the forward’s ten third quarter points (20-points in all) that allowed Philly to overcome a 59 – 51 halftime deficit and defeat the Denver Nuggets 123 – 104. A raucous home crowd witnessed Saric score a game high 26-points in a 118 – 101 win versus the New York Knicks. With that victory the Sixers swept the season series 4 – 0. The week was not all grasshoppers and water ice as the forward did struggle, to the tune of shooting 2-for-10, in a 101 – 91 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.

The upcoming week is highlighted by a pivotal Friday night match-up with the number three seed, Cleveland Cavaliers. On the season Saric is averaging 13.7 points and 9.3 rebounds against the Cavs, while shooting 43-percent from the field and 21-percent from three. The EuroLeague legend will need to step his game up if Philly is to move up in the playoff standings. The Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets round out the week’s schedule.      

Keep Rolling
The Sixers have not lost a game in almost three weeks and appear primed for the playoffs. Confidence levels could not be higher as they head towards their highest win total in 15 seasons. It was another undefeated week for Philadelphia as they finished 3 – 0. Offensively Philly scored over 115 points in two of their three contests and looked extremely potent on that end of the floor. The Sixers’ efforts for the week landed them 1st in points per with 114.0, 1st in made field goals (44.3), 1st in rebounds per with 54.7, 1st in assists (34.3), 3rd in fastbreak points (20.7), and 10th in points in the paint (49.3).Turnovers remain an issue for the group and this week was no different, Philadelphia finished 23rd with 15.0 per. It was a dominant seven days and as the season comes to an end there is no reason to believe things will be any different.     
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The Sixers’ potency was not regulated to just the offensive end, defensively they were just as spectacular. The undefeated group finished the week 1st in opponent field goal percentage (38.7 percent), 1st in defensive rating (90.0), 2nd in opponent made field goals (36.0), 2nd in opponent turnovers (17.0) 3rd in defensive rating (95.0), 3rd in opponents points in the paint (39.3), 5th in opponent three-point percentage (28.4 percent), and 7th in opponents points per (98.7). No one knows how this squad will respond with center Joel Embiid missing significant time with a broken face. However, one thing is for certain defensively this team will always compete.     

Kyle Kuzma returns to the head of the class as this week’s top rookie! Kuzma has been playing for pride with the Los Angeles Lakers all but eliminated from the playoffs and in the process has given hope that better seasons are ahead for Laker fans. The steal of the 2017 NBA draft continues to shine in the city of stars and for the week averaged 21.7 points on 53.1 percent shooting, all while grabbing 9.0 rebounds and playing an astounding 40.4 minutes per.    
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Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: 

It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.

The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons.
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As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before. 

Accumulative Learning
What made Allen Iverson a great player was the perfect blend of god given ability and unbridled determination. That determination was on display in Philadelphia’s final ten games of the guard’s rookie campaign. It became apparent that despite the 76ers rhapsodically losing, A.I. refused to concede. 

A 7-for-19 shooting performance in a 114 – 103 loss to the Indiana Pacers preceded a chain of scoring performances that drastically altered the course of Iverson’s career. Just 24-hours after the guard’s 22-point game against Indiana the six footer grabbed 10-rebounds and scored 32-points in a last second 115 – 113 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets. When asked to conquer the 65 – 10 Chicago Bulls, No. 3 responded with a 44-point output against one of the league’s top defensive teams.
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A three-point Philadelphia halftime deficit morphed into a 128 – 102 loss. Outscoring Michael Jordan (44 – 30) in Chicago is no small feat. However, what the guard had planned for an encore far surpassed his second drubbing of M.J.  

Marco Belinelli
This week’s star goes to the Sixers’ relatively new sixth man, Marco Belinelli. The reserve has played well since joining Philadelphia and put on a performance this week. Belinelli shot 5-for-9 from deep scoring 21-points in a 108 – 94 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. The shooter then played a team high 32-minutes and scored 15-points in a 119 – 105 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was more of the same as Belinelli shot a combined 5-for-9 from three in wins against the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the weeks’ four contests the sixth man shot a blistering 50-percent from three and averaged 17.0 points. The guard has flourished in Philly thus far and has been given the green light to shoot often. More importantly, the Italian star has filled a major scoring void in the second unit and has made the 76ers bench a major threat going into the postseason.
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This week the Denver Nuggets come into town fighting for their playoff lives. As a member of the Atlanta Hawks Belinelli played well against the Nuggets. In the previous match-ups the reserve averaged 12.5 points and shot 58.3 percent from three. As a member of the Sixers, fans are hoping that type of shooting remains.  

Unblemished
The Sixers played 13 games in the month of March, and five have come against teams with a winning record. Philly is 2 – 3 in those games, and a whopping 8 – 0 against the remaining sub .500 teams. This week featured four consecutive wins, highlighted by a thrashing of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Sixers dominated their four overmatched opponents and the weekly numbers illustrate their masterful output. Philadelphia finished 1st in assists (31.3), 3rd in rebounds per with 51.3, 4th in fastbreak points (16.8), 5th in points per game (116.3), 5th in made field goals (43.0), 5th in three-point made field goals (14.3), and 6th in field goal percentage at 48.6 percent. It was a very productive offensive week for the 76ers, and their undefeated record confirms their success.
   
Defensively things were more of the same as the group finished 1st in opponent field goal percentage (39.4 percent), 3rd in defensive rating (95.0), 3rd in opponent made three-pointers (7.8), 3rd in opponent three-point percentage (29.5 percent), and 4th in opponent made field goals (36.5).  
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First year point forward Ben Simmons has put up some astounding offensive numbers, but the forward has gotten little credit for his defensive prowess. Simmons was the squad’s top performer defensively for the week. The Australian led the team in defensive rebounds with 9.0 and in steals with 2.5.   

Donovan Mitchell is once again the week’s top rookie! The Utah Jazz appear to be playoff bound and much of their success is owed to the first year performer. Mitchell has made up for his lack of efficiency (the guard shot 40-percent for the week) with tenacious play and clutch performances. In a 124 – 120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the rookie scored 16 of his 35-points in the fourth quarter. For the week Mitchell averaged 28.3 points, 4.7 boards and 2.7 steals.   

Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: 

It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.

The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons.
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As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before. 

A Quick Break
The 76ers finally won a game. Actually Philly won three out of four, including three in a row. Allen Iverson finished with 18-points and 10-assists in a 113 – 105 win against the hated Boston Celtics. The future Hall-of-Famer missed the next contest, a 96 – 92 win against the Detroit Pistons, due to injury. However, Iverson returned for a 105 – 93 win versus the Orlando Magic.
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Despite missing the Pistons contest, the six foot guard dished 10 or more assists in three of his last six games and finally appeared to be adjusting to his point guard duties. Toronto came into Philadelphia and handled the 76ers 112 – 90, holding the guard to 9-for-24 shooting. The Raptors also forced the guard into eight turnovers.   

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is this week’s star. The 76ers’ big man led Philly to a 3 – 1 record with a businesslike approach to the most recent slew of games. The Sixers played only one game against a team with a winning record during the seven day stretch, and were unable to come out on top. Embiid posted 29-points, 12-boards and three blocks in the 101 – 98 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

However, the only blemish of the week was easily overlooked because of Philadelphia’s dominance over the City of New York. The Sixers destroyed the Brooklyn Nets 120 – 97, then made light work of the New York Knicks 118 – 110 and then followed up with another workmanlike victory over the Nets (120 – 116) to end the week. Embiid put up a yeoman effort averaging 25.8 points, 12.3 rebounds with two blocks. The center notched a double-double in three of the four contests.

The upcoming week offers a personal challenge in Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, and a playoff team in a Saturday night match-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gasol has fared well against Embiid, holding the Philadelphia center to just 13.9 points on 39-percent shooting in their two meetings. The Grizzlies as a whole are 2 – 0 when playing against the franchise big.

The upstart Timberwolves have been struggling of late without All-Star forward Jimmy Butler and are 5 – 5 in their last 10 games. Many have picked the duo of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns to be future league stars. Yet, it is Ben Simmons and Embiid who have managed to balance team success with individual success. Numbers aside which young team is poised to become a true conference threat will be on the line Saturday. The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic round out the week. 

Business as Usual
Philadelphia returned to its top ten statistical roots in offensive categories. Playing against, shall we say, modest competition Philly exerted its physical prowess in each of their three victories. The team played strong on both ends of the court and seem ready for the playoffs. The 76ers finished 2nd in offensive rebounds (12.8), 2nd in assists at 29.0, 4th in rebounds (47.8), 5th in offensive rating (114.3), tied for 6th with 42.3 field goals made, 8th in points per at 114.0, 8th in field goal percentage (47.5), and 9th in three-point field goal percentage (38.3). However, things were not all grasshoppers and water ice for the 76ers. The group finished a surprising 18th in points in the paint.    

Philly’s top ten reign was not regulated to just the offensive end, defensively the boys were stout as well. Philadelphia finished tied for 5th in opponent three-point made field goals (8.8), 6th in opponent field goal percentage (43.8), 7th in opponent three-point field goal percentage (34.3), 7th in opponent made field goals (39.0), 7th in defensive rating at 104.2, 10th in opponent points per at 106.0 , 10th in opponents points in the paint (43.5), and 10th opponent fastbreak points (12.0).   

Back-to-back games have finally become a part of Joel Embiid’s resume. Thus far the big man has played in five back-to-back games, and Philly is an unassuming 3 – 2 in those contests.  The big is averaging 25.0 points and 14.0 rebounds, which is his highest among any other days of rest. Such an output is nothing to disregard, but it is worth noting that production comes on 39-percent shooting and with 20.8 shot attempts. Wear and tear seems to be prevalent and should be something Philly is concerned with.    

Ben Simmons almost averaged a triple-double in four games, but it is Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell who is this week’s top rookie performer. Mitchell’s most impressive performance came in a 116 – 99 win against the playoff bound New Orleans Pelicans. The rookie guard dropped 27-points (25 coming in the second half) en route to the win. Utah is in the midst of a nine game winning streak and have solidified their postseason chances. The Jazz rookie ended the week with 22.8 points and five boards to go along with 1.5 steals.   
  
Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week:

It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.

The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons.
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As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. So while we partake in the now, it is impossible to not reminisce the before. 

The Struggle      
After rocking icon Michael Jordan with his patented crossover, and exercising the demons of Stephon Marbury possibly being in the same class as him, Allen Iverson returned to earth. HARD! Iverson shot 39-percent in the four game span and Philly finished 1 – 3. Philadelphia lost all three games by double digits, including a 123 – 105 thrashing to the equally woeful New Jersey Nets. The very same New Jersey group they defeated just five days earlier.  
 
In the Sixers lone win, against the aforementioned Nets, Iverson shot a miserable 4-for-12 scoring 19-points. The rookie almost cost the 76ers the game, when he fouled Jersey point guard Sam Cassell late in the fourth quarter. Cassell made both freethrows to give him 28-points for the game, however the two-time champion got hit with a technical foul for taunting. The Sixers hit the freethrow and then a late put back by Derrick Coleman secured the win.

A.I.’s rookie season was filled with extremes and this week was no different. With just 14 games remaining the guard knew he needed a herculean effort if he wanted to win the franchise’s first ever Rookie of the Year award. 

Dario Saric
Shooting 65-percent from the field and 63-percent from three is why Dario Saric is this week’s star. Saric was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal week. Philadelphia finished the week 1 – 2, as the EuroLeague star went for 21.3 points on 65.6 percent shooting in those three games. The forward’s hot hand extended to the three point line as he shot 63.2 percent from beyond the arc and snatched 7.0 rebounds in those three games.

In Philadelphia’s lone win of the week, a 128 – 114 victory against the Charlotte Hornets, Saric shot 4-for-7 from three, and finished the seven day period an astounding 12-for-19 from deep. Rebounding was also a fixture for Dario as he grabbed a game high 10-boards in a 108 -99 loss to the Miami Heat.    
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The upcoming week features four games in seven days, which can be a difficult stretch this late in the season. The slate of contests is highlighted by a Tuesday night match-up against the Indiana Pacers in Philadelphia. Indiana has split the two previous games against Philly, with each team winning on their home floor. Ball movement was key in Philadelphia’s victory as they amassed 34 assists in the win, opposed to just 21 assists in the loss. The 76ers are just one game behind the Pacers in the loss column and could win the season series if they can take care of business at home.   

Numbers Do Lie
“Numbers don’t lie” is one of the biggest lies in all of sports. Philadelphia’s statistically impressive week meant nothing as they finished 1 – 2 in the standings. Numbers wise the Sixers were a fairly dominant group, but the game is not played nor won on paper. The 76ers finished 1st in field goal percentage shooting 50.6 percent, 1st in assists (29.7), 2nd in three point percentage (45.9), 3rd in fastbreak points (20.3), 8th in points per game (112.3), 9th in made field goals (41.0), 18th in points in the paint (42.7), 23rd in rebounds per (40.7), and dead last (30th) in turnovers 19.3. If one were to look solely at the week’s numbers it would be tough to comprehend just how the 76ers lost two games. Yet with anything else the devil is in the details, and in this case when those numbers were stacked far supersedes the numbers themselves.   

Teams win fans with scoring, but they win games with defense. The defensive decline played a magnificent role in this week’s demise. The team finished 23rd in opponent made field goals (43.0), 24th in opponent points per at 113.3, 24th in defensive rating (111.0), 24th in opponent points in the paint allowing 48.7, 25th in opponent field goal percentage (48.9), 25th in steals (6.3), and 27th in three point percentage (44.9). Fans can only hope the fall was an aberration and not a preview of things to come.
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Much has been made about center Joel Embiid being possibly fatigued, and while no one can know for certain the numbers do give credence to such a notion. In fourth quarter action players defended by Embiid scored an average of 3.7-points and hit 84-percent of their shots. That was the most allowed of any player who played three or more games in the week. The center will be counted on heavily come the postseason. Now that the big man has played a career and lifetime high of 53 games it is anyone’s guess how much he has left in the tank.     

Donovan Mitchell is this week’s top rookie! The Utah Jazz are now just one game out of the eighth and final playoff spot and no one will be shocked if they somehow sneak into the postseason. Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell is struggling with his efficiency, but those struggles have not deterred the young man. The Jazz won all three contest during the week and Mitchell went for 17.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 boards in those wins.  
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Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: 

It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.

The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons.
​
As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before. 

A.I. arrives
Allen Iverson’s rookie year essentially had two start dates. The first came when the season began in October and the second arrived the moment he crossed Michael Jordan up in a 108 – 104 lost in March. The rookie everyone loved to hate had now earned everyone’s respect and admiration. When the Chicago Bulls came to town on March 12th for a game against the lowly Sixers, few envisioned it would be a first year player who would steal the show. Iverson scored a then career high (and game high) 37-points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Yet, it was a move simply known as “the crossover” that remains embedded in people’s minds.

After this game there was nothing but love from Bulls’ players and pundits alike. Scottie Pippen would go on record stating “I like him as a player”, while Airness conceded “I'm sure I wasn't the first (to be beat) and I'm sure I won't be the last.”
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The 76ers’ guard also exercised the “Stephon Marbury for Rookie of the Year” demons, as just two night later the 76ers demolished the Minnesota Timberwolves 109 – 95. Defeating Marbury on the heels of his iconic crossover were the first step in distancing himself from the pack. It would not be long before Iverson simply eliminated all competition.   

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is once again this week’s star. Effectiveness trumped efficiency this week for a seemingly winded Embiid. Shooting a pedestrian 45-percent for the week, it was the seven footers ability to fight through his obvious fatigue that impressed. For the week Embiid averaged 22.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks and Philly went a solid 2 – 2.  

Thursday night Philadelphia arrived in Cleveland, after dropping two straight and in need of a win. Behind Embiid’s gritty 14-rebound and 17-point performance the Sixers would lead from start to finish in the 108 – 97 “W”. Less than 24 hours later Joel & Crew returned home for a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. 23-points, 14-rebounds and three blocks later Philly would place another check in the win column, 110 – 99.  
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The upcoming week features three straight road games. The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks highlight the three game stretch. Miami’s Hassan Whiteside has been very vocal about squaring off against Embiid and the Heat won the most recent contest 102 – 101. Overall the Sixers are 2 – 1 versus the Heat with the big man averaging 20.0 points and 9.5 rebounds on 48-percent shooting. Meanwhile, the Bucks are 1 – 1 in their two contests with the center going for 24.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. The Charlotte Hornets round out the trifecta.  

Even Out
Philadelphia returned to the pack after a week of being one of the NBA’s leading clubs. Offensive prowess has never been part of Philly’s team makeup and this week was just further testament to that premise. The 76ers finished 9th in rebounds per (46.8), 12th in points in the paint, 14th in assists (24.5), 22nd in points per game (103.3), fell to 27th in field goal percentage, and 27th in made field goals (36.8). Winning games is the most important aspect of this part of the season for Philadelphia. Rebounding and ball movement have been the most vital part to winning games all season. Finishing out of the top ten in assists and almost out of the top ten in rebounds explains the squad’s 2 – 2 results for the week.  

Defensively things took a slight slide as well. After finishing first in multiple defensive categories last week, the Sixers did not crack the top five as much this week. Philly ranked 4th in opponent points per game (101.8), 5th in opponent made field goals (37.3), 5th in opponent fastbreak points allowing 9.3, 9th in defensive rating (105.0), 10th in opponent field goal percentage (45.3), and 22nd in steals per with 7.8. All season the Sixers have resided in the top ten in 2nd chance points allowed, and this week was no different as the group finished 2nd allowing 6.3.
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43.8 percent of Philadelphia’s field goals came from within 10 feet of the basket, while 32.5 percent came from the catch-and-shoot variety. The one constant for both the factors is first year point forward Ben Simmons. The Australian leads the team with 73 percent of his points being scored in the paint and is the per game team leader in points in the paint at 11.0 per.    

Donovan Mitchell is this week’s top rookie! Currently the Utah Jazz are three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot and making a strong push to make the postseason. Mitchell has been the star of the show in the playoff push, and most recently averaged 23.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in a critical seven day period. The guard dropped 26-points in a 116 – 108 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The very next night Mitchell scored 27-points in a 98 – 91 victory against the Sacramento Kings.
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Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: 

It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.

The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons.
​
As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before. 

Bittersweet     
A tough sequence of games for rookie Allen Iverson began with an 18-point, 13-assist performance against the then Washington Bullets. Despite A.I.’s double-double Philly lost 107 – 106 thanks to a late bucket courtesy of the Bullets’ Calbert Cheaney. Atlanta dealt Iverson and Co. a 117 – 104 loss. The Hawks held the guard to 20-points on a paltry 7-for-20 shooting.

Revenge was served when the Bullets arrived in Philly, as the 76ers defeated Washington 99 – 93. The win ended a six game losing streak to the Bullets. Iverson dropped 19-points in the victory, however their success was short lived.
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Just a few hours later Philadelphia hit the Twin Cities for a showdown between Iverson and fellow rookie Stephon Marbury. On draft day Minnesota traded for point guard Stephon Marbury, in hopes the New York native would provide the Timberwolves with a potent one-two punch. Marbury and Iverson were neck and neck in Rookie of the Year voting with many leaning towards the Tmberwolves’ rookie because of his team success.

“Starbury” would not only outscore Iverson (24 to 17), but he also fouled the Sixers' guard out. Minnesota won the game 104 – 100 and all A.I. could do was watch from the sideline as the Wolves’ pg scored 13-points in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter leading his troops to victory.