What many feared, or in some cases, rooted for, is starting to come true. The 76ers’ losing streak is taking on epic proportions and is at the point now that it is becoming historic. Their latest loss, a 115-98 loss at home to the Sacramento Kings established a new franchise home losing streak. Their 18th consecutive loss was their franchise record 14th straight defeat on their home floor. Philadelphia has not won a game in six weeks, or before the Super Bowl.
Being that just about every major NFL free agent has signed a deal with the new team that was a long time ago. Fans who watched tonight’s game (shout out to those who did) were reminded of how painfully long these games have been, and how long it’s been since the last win. The Sixers committed 31 fouls and turned the ball over 20 times in their lopsided loss to the lowly Kings.
Though the Sixers limited some of the Kings’ players offensively, they failed to win a single quarter. By the end of the third, Sacramento already had 90 points. They were led by Rudy Gay’s 27 points in what was a rather balanced offensive attack.
While they are going through some tough times, the Sixers are of course in an evaluation stage. Some things have become evident, like Arnett Moultire and Eric Maynor are not NBA players. But the loss did not come without positives for Philadelphia. One thing that is clear is the Henry Sims may have a place on an NBA roster as a regular contributor.
Against the bigger, stronger, and frankly, more talented DeMarcus Cousins, the Georgetown product turned in the game of his career. In addition to limiting Cousins below his season average in production, Sims was also a force offensively against Cousins. He turned in a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds while playing in the post.
Also, he hit 10 of 11 free throws, which is a subtle positive as well. It shows that he is not a liability late in games and so his defensive abilities will never be compromised with the caveat that he can’t hit free throws.
Bottom line, the Sixers lost and that’s obviously not a good thing. But look beyond the scoreboard and looking at the game as it unfolded, it’s not all negative for a team that hasn’t won since Cole Hamels was believed to be perfectly healthy.
Loses are going to come, get over it. It’s not that they are losing, but how they are losing that is more important.
