From 1974 to Tuesday: What Sixers History Says About the…

By the 76ers Nightly Desk · Monday, October 19

Philadelphia opens at the Knicks on Tuesday, the team that ended its season in May. The franchise's own history says one night proves little, and a window built on stars closes fast.

76ers Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Has this franchise won in New York on a night like this before?

On October 19, 1974, the 76ers won at the Knicks, 99-86. Nice footnote, nothing more. The recent history is what counts: New York swept Philadelphia out of the second round in May, and Daryl Morey lost his job afterward. The Sixers did beat the Knicks 120-97 on October 5, but that was preseason. Tuesday is the first game that counts.

Does a bad preseason mean anything?

Not much. Philadelphia went 1-3, including a 106-144 loss at Boston, and the record is still 0-0. The 1967 champions did their damage where it counts, starting 46-4 and finishing 68-13. The real standard is last season: 45-37 with a -0.1 net rating. That is the bar this group has to clear, and preseason scores don't measure it.

Can a team of stars collapse the way the 1971-72 team did?

Yes, and the timing matters. Wilt Chamberlain was traded after 1967-68, and by 1971-72 the 76ers went 30-52 and missed the playoffs for the first time, five years after a title. Windows close quickly. Embiid played 38 games last season and is 32. LeBron James is 41. The payroll is $213.2M against a $200.4M tax line. This window is narrow.

Is this the 1983 formula or something messier?

It is messier. The 1983 champions were built on Julius Erving and Moses Malone, two stars with clear jobs. Nick Nurse has four scorers. Last season Jaylen Brown averaged 28.7 points, Tyrese Maxey 28.3, Embiid 26.9 and James 20.9. Somebody gives up shots. A Hall of Fame resume is not a rotation, and Nurse has to write one by Tuesday.

The verdictHistory says one October night proves little, and a short window proves a lot. Beat New York or don't, but settle who takes the shots.

Who do the 76ers play in their season opener?

They play at the Knicks on Tuesday, October 20, on NBC and Peacock.

Did the 76ers beat the Knicks earlier this fall?

Yes, they won 120-97 on October 5, but that was preseason and the regular-season record is still 0-0.

By the 76ers Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.