3 Encouraging Signs From 76ers' Comeback Win Over Cavaliers

The Philadelphia 76ers won in tremendous fashion Friday night as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106.

The home opener was a fun one that many won’t forget. Since the team is in high spirits, let’s keep it rolling by looking at the positive takeaways from this game.

1. The defense could be better than expected.

In the first half this team couldn’t do anything right defensively. Then they came out and asserted themselves as the better team. It started on the perimeter as the guards had to make some stops to get the team going. The entire starting five had nine of the team’s ten steals. This team's speed to recover and close-out could prove to benefit them in the long run. They also forced 21 turnovers that turned into 22 fastbreak points. They have to put it together for a complete game, but if they can do this in just one half, it’s scary to see what this could turn into.

2. No lead is safe.

This offense proved that it can shoot you out of the gym. In the second half the 76ers outscored the Cavaliers 69-37. Three players scored over 20 points in the winning effort, and that’s important to note. It was a collective victory for a team that could have thrown in the towel. LeBron James scored ten of his 16 points in the third in an effort to help get the team going. Maxey did what he does best and scored at an efficient clip. Jaylen Brown came alive in the fourth quarter, while Joel Embiid had a much better night, scoring 24. There are so many options for this team that it’s almost unfair. They can come back at the drop of a hat.

3. Joel Embiid had a standout night.

While Maxey had the most points of the half, it was Embiid who many needed to see get back on track offensively. He did just that shooting 8 of 16 and finished with 24 points. This is the Embiid this team needs to go far. He played a huge role in controlling the paint in the second half, and he made sure not to stay on the perimeter and got to his spot on the block. The best part is he came out of the game healthy. 

This 76ers team is very deadly when everyone is in sync, but they can’t go down as bad as they did against the Cavaliers. In a playoff series, it could be deadly and cost them a game.