76ers defeat Kings, 112-85

It wasn't that long ago that Doug Collins wasn't sure how the 76ers would respond to the conditions created by this lockout-shortened season. After all, it began with a five-game road trip that resulted in the Sixers' being the last team in the league to play a home game.

But Collins has watched a gritty team emerge from all of this, one that defends, at least for now, better than any other team in the NBA. And even before the coach stood courtside and watched the Sixers make the Sacramento Kings their sixth victim in a row with a 112-85 rout Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center, he already had experienced his epiphany.

"I think we have a pretty mature outlook about everything," Collins said after the victory in front of an announced crowd of 10,225. "I don't think our guys are getting giddy in any sense of the imagination. I said the other day, 'Guys, if you don't think we can win the Atlantic Division, I think you're making a mistake'. I firmly believe that."

On Tuesday, the Sixers improved to 7-2 with perhaps their easiest victory in a string of games that have been decidedly easy.

The 112 points are the most they have scored this season, and their 58.6 shooting percentage (47 of 83) was also a season high. The Sixers have won their last four games by an average of almost 24 points, and five of their wins have come by at least 20 points.

The Sixers won for the sixth time in a row, marking the first time they've won six straight since winning seven from Jan. 6-17 in 2009. They are off to their best start since they began the 2000-01 season 10-0 and reached the NBA Finals.

Elton Brand had his best game of the season, finishing with 21 points in leading six Sixers in double-figure scoring. Brand also finished with 10 rebounds. Jrue Holiday turned in a complete effort with 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Lou Williams scored 15 points, and Evan Turner, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, nearly had the first triple double of his career.

Brand, in need of a breakout game after a slow start, is buying in.

"We really bonded on that trip," he said. "Guys care. We know each other. We've got a great mix of young players, and guys are not playing to get stats. It's a good mesh. We talked about that when we got back from the trip. Guys believe that we can be good enough to win the division."

Sacramento (3-7) was led by DeMarcus Cousins, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Kings were without the services of leading scorer Marcus Thornton. Chester native Tyreke Evans finished with 15 points and five rebounds.

But all the news was not good for the Sixers. They lost center Spencer Hawes for the entire second half with a lower back strain. Hawes first aggravated his back early in the second half of the Sixers' 97-62 win over Toronto.

The Sixers play their first game against an Atlantic Division foe Wednesday when they visit New York. It will be the Sixers' third game in as many days.

"We'll see how he responds," Collins said of Hawes. He received treatment during the second half and did not return to the bench. "We'll see. Hopefully, tomorrow we'll get the word that he's going to be available for us."