The Philadelphia 76ers are still figuring things out, but they're not having trouble winning basketball games.
Philadelphia improved to 7–1 with a convincing 126–107 victory over the Chicago Bulls, using efficient shooting, balanced scoring and excellent ball movement to secure another early-season win.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 26 points and 11 assists, shooting 66.7% from the field. Jaylen Brown added 25 points and 11 rebounds, while second-year guard VJ Edgecombe contributed 21 points.
The Sixers shot 53% from the field and recorded 36 assists, demonstrating how dangerous their offense can be when the basketball moves freely.
Maxey Commands Philadelphia's Offense
Maxey continues to establish himself as the engine of Philadelphia's offense.
Against Chicago, he combined efficient scoring with outstanding playmaking, finishing with a double-double while helping the Sixers generate quality scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Brown provided another strong performance with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Edgecombe added 21 points and five assists, giving Philadelphia another productive scoring option.
Joel Embiid finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
All five starters scored in double figures.
Philadelphia's balanced production made it difficult for Chicago to concentrate its defensive attention on any one player.
Philadelphia Wins the Efficiency Battle
The Sixers held significant advantages in several important categories.
Philadelphia shot 53% from the field compared with Chicago's 43%, connected on 35% of its three-point attempts compared with the Bulls' 26%, and finished with a 36–26 advantage in assists.
The Sixers also won the rebounding battle 47–42 and outscored Chicago 62–54 in the paint.
Philadelphia produced 31 fast-break points compared with Chicago's 25.
The most impressive number was the 36 assists.
For a team still developing chemistry, that level of ball movement suggests its offensive pieces are beginning to complement one another.
Chicago Gets Strong Individual Performances but Falls Short
Caleb Wilson led the Bulls with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. He also made four three-pointers.
Norman Powell added 18 points, finishing as Chicago's second-leading scorer.
Josh Giddey contributed 13 points and 10 assists, while Jalen Smith added 13 points and seven rebounds.
Chicago finished with nine steals and seven blocks, showing activity defensively, but the Bulls couldn't overcome Philadelphia's superior offensive efficiency.
The Sixers' ability to create quality shots and finish inside proved too much for Chicago.
LeBron's New Beginning Looks Different
There is another interesting storyline developing in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia's fast start offers a contrast to the adjustment periods that accompanied James' previous moves to Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles.
At 7–1, the Sixers are winning while making those adjustments.
James doesn't have to dominate the scoring column every night. With Maxey directing the offense and multiple teammates capable of producing, he can contribute through passing, rebounding and decision-making.
His 15-point, nine-assist performance against Chicago illustrates that changing role.
S³ Final Assessment
Philadelphia remains a work in progress, but its early results are encouraging.
The Sixers have multiple scoring options, an emerging offensive leader in Maxey and enough veteran experience to navigate difficult stretches.
The challenge will be maintaining that production as the schedule becomes more demanding and opponents begin adjusting to Philadelphia's offensive combinations.
At 7–1, the Sixers have given themselves an excellent foundation.
S³ Verdict: Philadelphia hasn't figured everything out, but the Sixers are already winning. That's exactly where a championship-minded team wants to be while developing its chemistry.
