76ers' Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young Tame the Chicago Bulls, Win 98-82

On Wednesday night the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Chicago Bulls in a game that by many accounts would define the Sixers’ level of play. Although heading into the game the Sixers possessed the best record in the Atlantic Division, their achievements have been drastically undermined by many analysts who conclude that the key to the Sixers’ success has been their schedule thus far.

For instance, 12 of the Sixers’ wins have come against teams below .500. And with losses to the Knicks, and the Heat, many fans wondered whether the Sixers could compete against the more dominant teams in the NBA.  

On Wednesday night, however, the Sixers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 98-82, and finally established themselves as one of the best teams in the league. Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala lead the Sixers' offense with 19 points each, with Iguodala providing additional support with nine rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, the defense was spectacular once again, holding all but Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson to single digits.

Moreover, the Sixers displayed a brand of team basketball that sets them apart from their competitors. For example, in addition to Iguodala and Young, five players on the Sixers scored double digits, including Jrue Holliday with 17 points, Lou Williams with 14 points and Lavoy Allen with 15 points. Furthermore, the Sixers as a team combined for 26 assists, displaying the type of selfless basketball that defines Doug Collins’ coaching style.

More importantly, with a win over the Chicago Bulls the Sixers have won their last four games and are now tied for third place in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, Andre Iguodala is quickly becoming the player fans expected him to be, and Lou Williams is further establishing himself as the Sixers’ go-to shooter.

Ultimately, with the way the Sixers are currently playing, fans are buzzing with a level of excitement that’s reminiscent to that of the Sixers’ 2001 season. And you can’t help but wonder if Philadelphia will once again play host to the NBA Finals.