The Sixers rank first in points allowed per 100 possessions (91.8) and opponent field goal percentage (39.8).
Sixers coach Doug Collins said assistant Michael Curry’s schemes and teaching methods have helped make the Sixers defense elite.
“The thing that (associate head coach) Michael (Curry) does so well is that he gears our defense to our personnel and what we can do,” Collins said. “There are certain limitations that are big guys have defensively that he has done a great job putting the scheme in that we can be successful. We don’t have a great shot blocker at the basket or a great defensive rebounder but our wings rebound well and we know that we have to pressure the ball.”
So far this season, the Sixers have held opponents to 25.9 percent shooting from the three-point line, ranking them first in three-point defense.
“We aren’t running all over the floor,” Collins continued. “Guys have responsibilities and Michael grades guys every game and we post them so there is individual accountability as a team. The one thing in this game, if you’re scrambling you are not going to be able to defend the three.”