Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins is celebrating a loss this morning. Last night his team was beaten by the Orlando Magic, 99-98, after coughing up two four-point plays in the final seconds of the game. The loss was one of many last-minute collapses this season which have cost the 6ers winnable games down the stretch.

So, why is Collins celebrating? Because these were winnable games. After what seems like countless years of hopelessness, being close enough to win games in the final minute is serious progress for this team in Collins’s first year as head coach. They’ve already won more games at home this season than they did all of last season.

Don’t get me wrong. You’ll never hear the coach say he’s happy his team is losing by coughing up wins at the end, but he has to be thrilled that they’re close enough to choke.