The Philadelphia 76ers’ defense has been trending upward lately. Over their last 9 games, they’re 8-1 with the league’s best defensive rating and fifth-highest net rating (8.9). Their intensity and offense eased up late in their 103-94 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday, yet for the most part, the Sixers’ defense was impressive. Especially as, like the Jazz (who also seemed flat on the second night of a back-to-back), they were playing their third game in four days.
While pick-and-roll defense has caused the Sixers some issues this season, their performance against the Jazz was a good example of what they’re capable of.