The Philadelphia 76ers’ early-season 2-3 start and the early returns of Markelle Fultz’s transformed jumper are not what Sixers fans anticipated after a playoff berth. Blake Griffin and Giannis Antetokounmpo carved up Philadelphia’s defense to the tune of 50 and 38 points, respectively, over the past two games, while the Sixers ceded 116.8 PPG (the league’s 10th-worst figure).
Failing to meet expectations spurs blame. Ranging from Dario Saric’s flat offensive start (37.3 FG%, 26.5 3PT%) to Brett Brown’s game plans, the Sixers have seemed like they’ve hit an early speed bump.