October 24, 2026 | S³ Sweet Science Sports
PHILADELPHIA — Three games, three victories, and the Philadelphia 76ers are beginning to look like a team capable of delivering on their championship expectations.
Philadelphia improved to 3–0 Saturday night with a 127–116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, continuing an impressive opening stretch that already includes victories over the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The most encouraging development isn't simply that Philadelphia is winning. It's how the 76ers are learning to win together.
And they're doing it without having their entire star-studded roster available.
Embiid Leads the Way Without LeBron
Joel Embiid delivered one of the most complete performances of Philadelphia's young season, recording 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
With LeBron James absent, Embiid demonstrated his ability to function as both a primary scorer and offensive facilitator.
Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points and five assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 26 points.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe continued making his presence felt with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Philadelphia's four leading contributors combined for 98 points, providing the offensive balance needed to overcome Milwaukee's significant advantage on the glass.
The 76ers aren't just collecting individual performances. They're beginning to develop an offensive identity.
Philadelphia Wins a Game It Probably Should Have Lost
Milwaukee dominated several important statistical categories.
| Team statistic | Milwaukee | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal percentage | 47% | 41% |
| Three-point percentage | 32% | 43% |
| Rebounds | 62 | 40 |
| Points in paint | 58 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 31 | 13 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 11 |
The Bucks outrebounded Philadelphia by an astonishing 22 rebounds and outscored the 76ers by 32 points in the paint.
Ordinarily, those numbers would suggest Milwaukee controlled the game.
But Philadelphia compensated by forcing mistakes, protecting possessions and taking advantage of its perimeter shooting.
The 76ers connected on 19 three-pointers compared with Milwaukee's 11, creating a 24-point advantage from beyond the arc.
Philadelphia also committed 11 fewer turnovers.
The victory demonstrated an important characteristic of a potential championship contender: the ability to win even when an opponent controls major statistical categories.
Championship Chemistry Is Beginning to Develop
The biggest question entering the season wasn't whether Philadelphia possessed enough talent.
The question was whether that talent could function together.
Embiid, Brown, Maxey, LeBron and Edgecombe provide the 76ers with an extraordinary collection of offensive options. But championship basketball requires players to understand their responsibilities, recognize mismatches and sacrifice individual opportunities for team success.
Three games into the season, Philadelphia is making progress.
Embiid is facilitating. Brown and Maxey are producing without the offense becoming entirely dependent on either player. Edgecombe is contributing beyond scoring, particularly as a rebounder.
The ball is finding different players, and the 76ers are discovering multiple ways to win.
LeBron's eventual integration presents another adjustment. Philadelphia will need to maintain that offensive balance when another high-usage playmaker enters the rotation.
That's the next phase of developing championship chemistry.
S³ Final Word: Chemistry Before Championships
Philadelphia's 3–0 start is encouraging, particularly considering the quality of its first three opponents.
The Knicks, Cavaliers and Bucks all entered the season with expectations of competing in the Eastern Conference.
The 76ers have defeated all three.
Still, there are areas requiring attention. Milwaukee's overwhelming rebounding advantage and success attacking the paint exposed weaknesses Philadelphia must address.
Those problems could become significant against stronger, more disciplined opponents.
But championship chemistry isn't built overnight.
It's developed through shared experiences, difficult possessions, adjustments and an understanding of how individual talents fit together.
Philadelphia is beginning that process while collecting victories.
The 76ers don't have to play championship basketball in October. They have to develop the habits that will allow them to play championship basketball in June.
At 3–0, they're moving in the right direction.
S³ | SWEET SCIENCE SPORTS
Beyond the Game. Inside the Numbers.
