Critics will point out that none of the 76ers' eight wins have come against teams with records better than .500.
But the team took a positive step in beating the Brooklyn Nets, 103-98, Saturday at Wells Fargo Center.
"To find a win without Ish [Smith], who in many ways has been linked to our wins after Christmas, I think the group in itself has improved a lot," coach Brett Brown said.
The point guard missed the game after spraining his left ankle Friday in a road setback to the Washington Wizards. Brown expects Smith to return Monday when the Sixers (8-43) host the Los Angeles Clippers.