Each week, we'll ask questions about the Sixers to our resident basketball analysts and see what they have to say.
Running the Give and Go this week are CSNPhilly.com columnist John Gonzalez and CSNPhilly.com producer/reporter John Finger.
What's the main factor behind the Sixers' improved play?
Gonzalez
They’re moving the ball pretty well. The Sixers have assisted on 61.1 percent of their field goals. That’s the ninth-best mark in the NBA, and it’s just barely behind the Chicago Bulls (61.7) and the Portland Trail Blazers (61.4).
They’re also forcing a league-best 17.5 turnovers per game. (Of course, they’re also committing a league-worst 17.4 turnovers per game.) It also doesn’t hurt that they played the Timberwolves and Pistons to secure their first two victories. The Timberwolves are not good. The Pistons have Josh Smith, who ensures that they are also not good.
Finger
It helps that the team has been together for a few weeks without any interruption or injuries. Along those lines, Michael Carter-Williams' return is no small thing. The NBA is in the golden age of point-guard play, so the fact that Carter-Williams is playing -- and playing well -- certainly helps the Sixers win games.