Seven games is a small sampling but I believe, say 57 games into this 66-game schedule, we will still be discussing the strong qualities of the Sixers defense.
Toronto, who like the Sixers were playing in a back-to-back though they did travel and the Sixers did not, were held to 32 percent shooting, 1 for 12 from three point range, forced into 19 turnovers which was five above their season average and despite leading the rebounding by 16 at one point early in the second half, lost the battle on the backboard 51-48.
That combination of numbers led to the Sixers allowing a building low 62 points for the game.
But there was a point where this game was hardly a convincing defensive juggernaut played by the Sixers.
Two minutes and 10 seconds into the third quarter, Toronto had cut the Sixers lead to three making the first two field goals of the second half.
Doug Collins made a move.
The score went to 41-38 and I think I took a timeout, Collins said. I told our guys we cant let this slip away. Its a big game. I think I busted a blood vessel but came away unscathed. But our defense was fabulous.
NBA
When asked what exactly he said in that timeout that was so inspiring defensively, Collins answer was brief.
Its a family show here, Collins said with a smile referring to his post game press conference which is aired live on Comcast Sportsnet. I was unhappy with how we came out in the third.
It is the nature of NBA teams, they go on runs, Andre Iguodala said having made his defensive mark collecting 10 rebounds off the Raptors glass. I think he didnt want them to get off to a run. They got two buckets and got a little close. Out of the timeout we set something up and got a good look which settled us down and then got some good stops on defense from there.
After that timeout the Sixers closed out the third quarter on a 32-12 run. Their hands were active, their feet were moving and they basically put their foot on Torontos throat.
A 9-0 burst started that run. Just when it looked like Raptors center Amir Johnson was going to stop the bleeding, Thaddeus Young had the first of his two blocks in the game.
The soft spoken Young wanted to make sure the Raptors were clear on how the rest of the game was going to play out.
That probably was, Young said when asked if that was one of his better blocks of his NBA career. Im not a shot blocker, Im a charge taker so any time I get a blocked shot it is big for the team. I do think that was a game changer. That was when we put our foot down and said you are not going to bring it in here without a fight.
If not a game changer that block was certainly a game closer. You could see the frustration mounting in the oppositions eyes.
Young finished with 12 points, four rebounds three steals and those two blocked shots. But as Collins repeatedly points out, Youngs pick and role defense has been superb.
Now that's what Collins would say changed the game.
Thad on those pick and rolls is incredible, Collins said. Andrea Bargnani is bigger and they love pick and rolls. They got us in a two man game but Thad was so quick and active and he gets back to challenge.
I think the coaches do a great job of actually teaching the concepts of our defensive rotations and where we are supposed to be on all their shooters, Young explained. Its all about timing and the matchups.
The Sixers were number one in point differential heading into Saturdays game and winning by 35 points will ensure they dont relinquish that status. They were second in opponents field goal percentage behind Toronto but with the Raptors shooting 32 percent and the Sixers 43, trading places will occur before morning.
And because they have such strong perimeter rebounders like Iguodala and Evan Turner who combined for 17 defensive rebounds Saturday, the Sixers are currently tied for fifth in rebounding.
"De-Fense" will soon become a regular cheering rendition at the Wells Fargo Center though I doubt it will ever catch the pitch and frenzy that We want Big Macs has when the team is approaching 100 points.
Defense wins championships, but free Big Macs makes for happy fans.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com