Monday night's loss in Boston was one of those rare occasions where the Sixers gave an uninspiring performance.
They've lost 52 games, but the 108-89 defeat was just the 12th time they've lost by a least 19.
The Sixers allowed the Celtics to score a season-high 38 first-quarter points. By game's end, Boston had shot 50.0 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range.
Expect the Sixers to return to their hard-working selves Wednesday when the Pistons pay a visit to the Wells Fargo Center. Detroit has lost 10 straight games.
The Sixers' identity has changed post-trade deadline. They do shoot more three-pointers, but they have not abandoned getting to the paint. Over their last three games, they have averaged 50.0 points in the paint, fifth highest in the league.
Against Boston, they went just 8 for 24 from three but outscored the Celtics in the paint, 46-44.
Head coach Brett Brown, this past weekend, described the style of play he is trying to instill with his new roster.
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"There has been a complete identity flip," Brown said. "We led the NBA in attacking the rim. The percentage of points at the rim, we were number one. And now all the sudden a few games ago we put up 42 three-pointers, and the next game we had 32.
"We have to find that balance between getting to the rim and letting our guys shoot threes because they are capable."
Pace and space are two keywords when the Sixers describe when and how they are at their best offensively.
"I am not going to ask a team to give me their career best fitness and then walk it up the floor," Brown said. "We have said that from day one. I feel like after the trades, with the speed of Ish (Smith) continuing to have our wings run, and Nerlens playing with more pace, it has gotten us back on track. [Running] is one of our staples.
"We chart [pace] in our games and show it in our effort chart. They are acutely aware that it is our number one value on offense."
When pace is of the utmost importance, it helps to have a guard like Smith, who knows two speeds: fast and faster. He likes to penetrate the paint and kick the ball out when the defense collapses. But like many young guards who have tremendous speed, Smith can lose track of his priorities.
"He plays with a spirit," Brown said. "You can tell him that isn't good enough or you have to pass. Or I can say how about getting the team organized. Are you the point guard? He gets it.
"You can coach him hard or you can mess around with him. He has charisma and personality. I think that is a key ingredient in a point guard and leaders, in general. He has been a plus in that regard."
In 12 games with the Sixers, Smith is averaging 11.0 points, 5.7 assists and 2.3 turnovers.
The Sixers' turnovers as a team are down since the trade deadline. Brown thinks that is a direct result of simplifying the system.
"What I have learned is if I were coaching an intricate system, these guys' heads would spin," Brown said. "We have simplified things. We base it on pace, and we talk about space. Spacing and our pace have produced a cleaner environment for these guys to not play in traffic. I think because we have shooters they are not just jamming the paint like they used to two months ago."