76ers earn statement wins over Western Conference contenders before big road trip

The Philadelphia 76ers came through with two impressive wins this week over serious contenders in the Western Conference before their big road trip.

After their heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder over the weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers were hoping for some redemption before their big road trip with key games at home against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.

Even if the Sixers managed to escape with at least one win against these Western Conference contenders, it would have been viewed as impressive for Brett Brown‘s squad.

Turns out, Philadelphia had what it takes to earn wins over both teams after taking down Houston on Tuesday 121-93 before barely getting by San Antonio 122-120, showing once again they do in fact have what it takes to compete with the best of teams.

As much as they don’t want to hear it, the Sixers haven’t been able to avoid some of the negative press received over the last couple of weeks, whether it involves Jimmy Butler being a headache or simply Joel Embiid dealing with back issues.

However, the two wins put together this week over serious contenders in Houston and San Antonio shows once again just how special of a team Brown truly has. And while two wins doesn’t necessarily guarantee this team will continue to succeed moving forward, it certainly is a great confidence booster before their upcoming road trip.

If the Sixers though this past week was tough with games against the Thunder, Rockets, and Spurs, their upcoming road trip could be an even bigger test when looking at the opponents they have to face.

On top of Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia will also see the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors the following week, which will be far from easy for numerous reasons, especially when it comes to the defending champions.

Then again, the Sixers completely understand that in order to be the best, the team will have to prove time and time again they have what it takes to compete with the best.

Philadelphia may feel at a disadvantage over the fact they’re playing away from home, but also this is just another way of testing themselves to see where the team stands.

At least after defeating the Rockets and Spurs this week, the Sixers should enter the road trip with a little extra confidence since they will certainly need to be on top of their game even more over the next week.