In the last 31 days, the Sixers have gone 10-4. In that span, they've lost to one of the worst teams in the league, but also have wins over Dallas and Orlando, teams with records well above .500.

Are they, then, a good team?

"We're getting there," Sixers point guard Andre Miller said. "The main thing is to be consistent, figure out how not to make the game hard. When you make the game easy you become consistent. That's the main thing about becoming a good team."

Miller has provided a lot of the impetus behind the team's recent success. Against Orlando Wednesday night he had 26 points and nine assists, and he and backcourt mate Willie Green outscored Orlando's guards 52-2.

The Sixers face a real challenge over the next three games when they face Golden State, Phoenix and the Clippers in just four days. Phoenix and Golden State are good teams, and the Warriors are battling for a playoff spot in the oh-so-tough Western Conference.

"We still have a long way to go," coach Maurice Cheeks said. "I think we're a young team that's just trying to get better."