Sixers' Clutch Reliance Drives 8-1 Start as Grizzlies Surprise West

League scouts and executives report that the Philadelphia 76ers are performing at a high level in late-game situations, contributing to their 8-1 record after three weeks of the 2026-27 season. The team has gone 7-0 in games that have entered clutch time, defined as the score being within five points in the final five minutes. This performance is driving their league-best start despite a ranking in the bottom 10 for offensive efficiency.

Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the primary decision-maker in these late-game scenarios. An Eastern Conference executive stated that Maxey is making the team go and has secured the trust of his teammates, including LeBron James. Nick Nurse, the 76ers coach, noted that Maxey comes and gets the first buckets of the fourth quarter, showing a quiet confidence in his abilities. James has also developed a strong working relationship with Nurse, a dynamic one veteran executive described as positive compared to James' previous coaching situations.

The roster construction has addressed potential depth issues without major setbacks. The team signed Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, and a scout noted that the bench is strong outside of a backup big. However, the 76ers are hard capped at the first apron, which limits their ability to add frontcourt depth via the buyout market after the February 11 trade deadline. They had signed Ariel Hukporti to fill that role, but the 7-footer is out for the season with a torn Achilles.

In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies are cited as the most pleasant surprise with a 6-2 record. A Western Conference scout compared the team to last year’s Phoenix Suns, noting that the pieces are fitting together because players are accepting their roles. Ty Jerome’s emergence as a scorer is providing a spark, but the long-term foundation rests on four starters still on rookie contracts: Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells. General Manager Zach Kleiman holds nine tradable first-round picks, positioning the team for future moves.

The Grizzlies have benefited from a favorable early schedule, but a scout believes they can be a .500 team if they stay healthy. The young players are responding well to the early success, with a coach observing that their confidence is growing. Meanwhile, league personnel are watching the Los Angeles Clippers, who are tied for the league’s worst record at 1-7, as likely sellers in the trade market due to their expiring contracts on impact veterans.