Sixers start 8-1, but LeBron pumps the brakes: “It’s too early to talk about the Finals”
Eight wins in nine games and two historical trends that give fans reason to dream. The Sixers are off to a flying start, but LeBron James is keeping his feet on the ground,
Eight wins in nine games, a locker room that seems to be clicking and a statistical precedent that already has fans dreaming. The Philadelphia 76ers couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NBA season, but LeBron James isn’t getting carried away.
According to ESPN, every time one of LeBron’s teams has won at least seven of its first eight games, it has gone on to reach the NBA Finals.
That’s an encouraging precedent for Philadelphia, which improved to 8-1 with a 112-106 win over the Detroit Pistons. James, though, has no intention of talking about a championship this early.
November 4 is too early to talk about the Finals. We’ll keep working on what we want to do. We have a good team. The guys are on the same page, they like each other and they enjoy being together
LeBron James
Those words capture the mood around the new Sixers, whose stars already seem to be fitting together well.
In Detroit, for example, Jaylen Brown took center stage with a season-high 30 points and a crucial block on Cade Cunningham down the stretch.
Joel Embiid added 26 points and 15 rebounds, while LeBron flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
History gives the Sixers reason to smile
The stat about LeBron’s teams isn’t the only one that brings memorable seasons to mind.
Philadelphia has also won its first four road games, something it hadn’t done since 2000-01, the last time the Sixers reached the NBA Finals.
Those two coincidences are bound to get people talking, although Nick Nurse has taken the same approach as his veteran. The coach is more concerned with improving how the team plays, particularly by avoiding the lapses in focus that can make even seemingly comfortable games difficult.
In the meantime, there are a couple of injuries to monitor.
Tyrese Maxey had an issue with his right pinkie late in the Detroit game but offered a reassuring update afterward. Adem Bona still needs to be evaluated after leaving in the fourth quarter with a neck issue.
The Sixers head to Cleveland next, the city where LeBron began his NBA career.
For now, Philadelphia can enjoy a nearly perfect start and a few numbers that give fans reason to dream. LeBron, though, knows all too well the difference between starting strong and going the distance. And if anyone can remind this group of that, it’s him.