Sixers lead league with 8-1 record
Philadelphia's new star lineup has dominated clutch time while Memphis Grizzlies defy preseason expectations.
By Grace Almasi ·
The Philadelphia 76ers hold a league-best 8-1 record in the 2026-27 NBA season. That total includes a 7-0 mark in games that entered clutch time. Clutch time is defined as the score being within five points in the final five minutes.
League insiders cite the team's defensive efficiency as the primary driver of this success. The Sixers rank in the top three for defense but sit in the bottom 10 for offensive efficiency. Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted that this pattern mirrors previous superteams that struggled to find offensive rhythm early. He pointed to the 2007-08 Boston Celtics and the 2010-11 Miami Heat as historical parallels.
Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the clear primary option for the team. An Eastern Conference executive stated that Maxey has earned the trust of his teammates, particularly LeBron James. The two have developed a two-man game that stresses defenses in the fourth quarter. Maxey ranks third in the league with 21 points in 19 clutch minutes.
Coach Nick Nurse said Maxey comes and gets the first buckets of the fourth quarter. Nurse added that the 26-year-old guard seems to know he is really good in a humble way. This confidence has been a stabilizing factor for the new group. The team has maintained a 4-0 road record, including wins over the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.
The relationship between James and Nurse has been smooth despite their lack of prior history. They held extensive conversations before James chose Philadelphia in free agency. A veteran NBA executive said the pair look like they are working together very well from the outside. James has used his versatility to serve as a lead ball handler and a defensive center when injuries to other big men required it.
The Memphis Grizzlies present a contrasting story in the Western Conference. The team holds a 6-2 record, a result that surprised many scouts. A Western Conference scout compared Memphis to last year's Phoenix Suns, a team that overachieved to reach the playoffs. The Grizzlies benefit from a young core that includes Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells.
General Manager Zach Kleiman has accumulated nine tradable first-round picks during the team's rebuild. This capital provides flexibility for future moves. Ty Jerome has been a key contributor, sparking the team's fifth-ranked offense. His health issues in previous seasons have made his current production a notable development for the organization.
