Nick Nurse Sends Clear Message to Teams Coming After 76ers

With so many additions to the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s to be expected that teams have them circled on the calendar.

From the Boston Celtics to the Cleveland Cavaliers, everyone is gunning for the 76ers since they acquired LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.  It is shocking to see, considering the ones who should have a target on their back are the defending champions, the New York Knicks.

It’s possible the reason could be the fact that the 76ers are favored to win the NBA championship, or maybe the fact that James has owned the East since he came into the association. 

Nonetheless, head coach Nick Nurse knows that the team has eyes on them, and he’s ready for what’s to come. 

Nurse was questioned about how the team would handle all the eyes on them, and his answer was relatively simple: they have to play the game just like everyone else. This isn’t just him being coy; it’s about staying focused. This team, as stated before, has everything to lose and nothing to gain. Winning a championship is the only way that they can deem this season a success.

But with everyone looking at them, how can they make this dream a reality? Nurse said it best; they have to make the crucial plays down the stretch. A game can go back and forth like the tides of the water, so it’s crucial to remain calm and take it one step at a time. Having the likes of James and Brown makes this easier, but they may not even be the ones to keep the team afloat.

Remember, it takes more than just the starters to get the team to a victory. There may come a time where the starters struggle and a few bench players come in and pick up the slack. Dean Wade and Kenatvious Caldewell-Pope are the two that come to mind. Both have similar play styles and could get the team back in the game with their defense. If their defense can create offensive opportunities, that should be more than enough to help out.  Add in Anfernee Simon and Labaron Philon Jr. for their offense, and then you have a group poised to take over a game at a moment's notice. 

All of this is crucial to help the team stay on track and play till the clock hits triple zero. Nurse made it clear that this team will not waver just because a team is eyeing their matchup. It’s going to be about being the first to attack and make an impact that could help them win.