Sixers only defense is offense

Not that it wasn't abundantly clear before, but the past week has proven that the Philadelphia 76ers defense is horrendous. Sitting now at 18-18, after a thrilling 125-124 overtime victory last night, Philly is ranked 29th (out of 30) in opponents points allowed with an average of 102.9.

Luckily for the Sixers, they are ranked 2nd in scoring with 102.8. With a defense that's as sturdy as melted butter, the 76ers offense is their saving grace. On any given night, they have the ability to outscore almost any team in the league.

For Philadelphia fans, this deficiency on defense has led to some nailbiters, but also some very exciting and hard fought contests. Case in point, last night's game against the Boston Celtics. Down by ten points after three quarters, the team roared back to tie it up and send the game into overtime.

The end of the first overtime saw the teams tied at 109. Then the remarkable happened. Philadelphia trailed near the end of the second overtime by three. And, with a hand in his face and time expiring, Kyle Korver (pictured) buried his usual, a clutch 3-pointer. Result: triple overtime.

The longest game for Philadelphia since 1992 saw the Sixers go down 124-121 before dropping four unanswered points on the Celtics. It was jubilation afterwards for the players. As for Head Coach Maurice Cheeks, he saw the problem with the defense almost cost the team the game. The 3OT win will have a very positive effect in the locker room, but a loss could've just as easily torn it apart.

So as the Sixers rollercoaster season continues, the team will have to search for a better answer to their defensive woes. Offense is not always the best defense.