I think they have only played the Cavaliers once, in Cleveland, where they won. The game was back in December, well before the trade and well before the Sixers started playing like a team. I think it's better to look at the games coming up, as they play the Cavs twice before the playoffs, and could theoretically catch them for the Fourth spot. That game was too long ago to have any relevance.
I want to clear something up- I never said the Sixers were a contender for the title this year. All I said was that they were playing much better than their record, and that the way they were playing was very effective and well-suited to their personnel. I think I said they were the 10th best team in the league, maybe 8th at their very best.
Remember at one point I wanted them to throw games and get a high draft choice. I had no idea that they would be this good! They are now exceeding my expectations for them and causing me to reevaluate my predictions.
Over their past 24 games they are 19 and 5. Houston, LA and Boston are the only other teams playing as well over the same period. They have played as tough a schedule as any team, and has beaten every elite team they have faced.
I just saw them beat Chicago. This time, the Sixers were determined to stay ahead the whole game and almost blew the Bulls out of the building in the first half. The Bulls were able to get it under 10 during the third quarter, and I never saw a team so determined to get the lead back above 20 as the Sixers were.
They are playing so well now that they have another gear. Those of you who are fans of good teams know what I'm talking about. They just assert their will and take control of the game. They are a defense first team, that wants to run. They are probably the most athletic team in the league, or at least the top 5. They play excellent half-court defense, function above average in half-court offense, and are at the top of the league in fast break points.
It's hard to project what a team like this will do in the playoffs. They depend on the developing talents of a rookie in Thad Young, and Lou Williams who, although not a starter, is now always in at the end of the game. I think in the future both of these players will be recognized as All-Stars.
Andre Igoudala is now playing as a premier 2 in the NBA, ala Michael Jordan. He has added an outside shot to his quick first step and can pretty much get a basket whenever he wants. He plays excellent defense and is one of the league leaders in steals. He's not quite at the level of Kobe or LeBron, but he's close enough.
The Sixers aren't as strong at the 4 and 5 spots as the elite teams. But Dalembert and Evans are able to rebound with the best of them, and are a very effective defensive group.
They have great control, because Andre Miller is a true point guard and keeps the team focused, whatever the team needs, Andre supplies. If he can get assists all night he's happy as a clam, but when the Sixers lost their lead, he went right down on the block, posted up Ben Gordon and scored.
They have a lot of depth at the 1,2 and 3 spots, but are a bit vulnerable up front, since after Dalembert and Evans, they have a rookie Jason Smith, and a guy who can't play in Calvin Booth. Shavlik Randolph and Louis Amundsen don't get and real playing time.
As of now, I think they have moved up from a team that could make the playoffs to a team that could cause an upset in the first round, and possibly even the second. Cleveland is playing pretty badly lately, 5-5, while the Sixers continue to play at an .800 pace. Unless the Cavs learn how to use their new players and gell as a team, the Sixers will beat them in a series, IMO.
I would love to see the Sixers get the 4th spot and match up with the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, that means they'd play the Celtics in the next round. I feel a lot better about that matchup, after seeing the Sixers beat the Celts, but beating them in a series seems to be too much to expect from such a young team.
The way they are playing is making it very enjoyable to be a Sixers fan. Unless Washington gets Gilbert Arenas back, the Sixers are the most likely team to upset a favored opponent in the EC playoffs. Maybe not an elite team just yet, but playing like a very good imitation of one.
