Sixers get deep sixed in six games
The Sixers were riding high last week, heading into Sunday’s game with a two games to one lead over the Detroit Bad Boys. With a ten point lead going into the half, it looked like the Sixers were on their way to sending the series back to Detroit up three games to one. Instead, the Pistons came out in the second half and took over Game 4 and the series. The Sixers didn’t win another game.
Thursday’s game was over early. The same way that the Pistons came out at halftime in Game 4, they started Game 6. With a 10-0 opening run and 28-9 first quarter lead, they never looked back. Rip Hamilton scored 13 of his game high 24 in that first quarter.
For the Sixers, Andre Iguodala led them with 16 points, but only took 7 shots from the field. Andre Miller was only 4-of-16 from the field and had only two assists. It was a dishearting way to lose a series. Facing elimination, the Sixers bowed out.
For the Sixers to have a chance, Andre Miller had to outplay Chauncey Billups. That hadn’t happened since the first half of Game 4. Without his strong play at the point, the Sixers would have been well suited to try playing Iguodala at shooting guard to get him off Tayshaun Prince. Jason Smith could backup both Reggie Evans and Sam Dalembert, while having Rodney Carney spell Thad Young at small forward. The backcourt would be crowded, but you just go with the hot hand and go small to sub in for Iguodala.
Speaking of Iguodala, July 1st will mark the beginning of his free agency period. His 13 points per game in this series and subpar shooting certainly won’t help him get any huge offers from potential suitors. Were he to leave, Thad Young and Rodney Carney would have to step up and produce.
The biggest question out there right now after the Sixers first round exit is Iguodala. Have we seen the best of him already or is there more to come? When you look at the potential in guys like Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams, you have to wonder of the three who the best player will be in three years.
Williams will be a free agent too and don’t think that teams around the league didn’t notice the young phenom this year. He’s a star in waiting. There will be suitors lining up to bid for his services. Let’s hope that the Sixers are the highest bidder.
It was good for playoff basketball to be played in South Philly once again. It’s too bad that the positive early returns didn’t continue and the end result was elimination, but you could feel the energy and enthusiasm of the fans who came to believe that this Sixers team could take down the mighty Pistons. Fans across the league started rooting for us and believing that we could pull it off. In the end, it was experience that mattered. Hopefully, this experience will be one that we can build upon. It will be a long offseason.
BONUS: Andre Iguodala with the big jam in the first half of Game 4
Pistons Control From The Jump; Push 76ers To The Brink of Elimination
The Pistons finally did it. For about 47 of their 56 wins this season they’ve coasted through games but still manage to control every aspect of it. A 6 point deficit is really about 10 or 12. These are known as “Pistons-style games and for the first time they managed to get one this series.” They got in trouble for it for doing this because the Sixers had an unmatched sense of urgency in the first few games but they seemed to have left it in Philly.
Detroit took a 12-point lead into halftime and once again a run to start the 3rd quarter ended Sixers’ hopes. Motown takes a 3-2 series lead heading back to Philadelphia for the pivotal Game 6. Chauncey Billups returned to form scoring 21 points and dishing out 12 dimes. Rip had 20, Tay had 17 and Sheed’ chipped in with 19. The team collectively shot at a 58% rate compared to our 42%.
This game wasn’t the best example of this type of game because the Sixers didn’t play good and Detroit played excellent. All you need to look at is floor general Andre Miller’s 5-17 shooting night to have an idea of how the game went. Willie Green, who has been having a great series shot 3-10 himself. The only bright spot is Andre Iguodala seemed to have broken his slump. He had 21 points on 8-13 shooting. His all-around play remained turning in 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. His 6 turnovers are the only alarming thing.
We have found out in this series that Sixers defense is their best offense and when Detroit is making shots, the game becomes too slow. The 76ers’ defense wasn’t terrible, but when Detroit is really playing the Sixers need perfection. Chauncey controlled the tempo, Rip and Sheed did the scoring and Tayshaun did everything else. That’s Detroit Basketball.
The new mohawk Sam was sporting was the only good thing about his game tonight. in 30 minutes of action, he had 4 points, 6 rebounds and 3 fouls. To be effective on defense, we need Sam to be the force in the middle when somebody gets pass their defender (which is happening way too often). The re-assurance of having Sam back there allows people to stay with their man, cutting down 3-pointers.
In an ideal world, Andre Iguodala would build on this performance and Andre Miller and Sam Dalembert would get to back to normal next game. If this is was a “Pistons-style” game, then this next “win or go home” contest could be considered a “Sixers-style game.” When faced with adversity and written off by most, this team usually rises to the occasion. I know the Sixers will give it 110% and not hold anything back for the entire game. If they don’t win, I’ll be comfortable knowing this team played hard every single game this season.
Notes: Larry Brown has connected with former Tar Heel Michael Jordan in Charlotte to become the 3rd Bobcats coach in their history.
Heavy Underdogs Takes a 2-1 Lead in Front of Home Crowd
The 7th seed Philadelphia 76ers responded from a 17-point loss to blowout the 2nd seeded Pistons by 20. The Sixers dominated the veterans in every aspect of the game. The young squad returned to their running ways and regained their defensive intensity that had escaped them in Game 2. Here’s my review of the game:
- Reggie Evans for President! “Mr. Hustle” sparked a run to close out the first half giving the home team a 4-point lead. He got involved on the offensive end, deflected passes, and contributed to Rasheed Wallace’s 2-point performance. He even gave the crowd a “hand-to-ear”trot, slapping hands with front-row fans like someone used to do so long ago.
- Andre Iguodala continued to struggle shooting the basketball (10 points 2-9 shooting). Early on, he was forcing shots trying desperately to shake Tayshaun Prince but just couldn’t with a help defender on their way. After he settled down, like in Game 1, he helped his team in other ways.
In game , I would like to see Dre drive the basketball to the hole with the intent to make a play, not to score at all costs. Take what the defense gives you and don’t force a shot if it’s not there. Detroit is “over-collapsing” when he penetrates especially, and if he can find the open man or Sam for the lob, that plan will backfire.
- Samuel Dalembert played like a man possessed on both ends of the court. He finished with a line of 22 points (led team), 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He had the full arsenal on display from the jumpshot to the baby hook. Sammy grabbed 5 offensive rebounds, made all of his free-throws, and only committed 2 fouls. It’s frustrating for Sixers fans knowing that he is capable of doing this every game. It’s just a matter of is he mentally prepared to do it.
- Active hands by Philly caused the usually sure-handed Pistons to cough up a 21 turnovers. Seeing a pattern in the media, this is a perfect scapegoat to get them out of giving credit where credit is due. Most were caused by Sixers disrupting their flow and some seemed to be that they were out of sync. When Rip or Chauncey drove to the basket, they were given a playoff bump and the refs let them play.
After a scoring drought (15 straight misses) for Detroit in the third quarter, the game was over and Flip pulled the starters. Andre Miller paced the Sixers with his 21 points, continuing his dominance over Chauncey Billups in this series. Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince were the only players to have a good offensive game tallying 23 and 18 respectively.
Well, it looks like we have a series folks. The prediction that “Philly has a shot to steal a game or two” is out the window as the Sixers have taken a commanding lead. A 1 game difference isn’t that commanding but they have control of home-court and they believe that if they are playing at their best, Detroit can’t beat them. I believe it too. This young squad fed off the Wachovia energy and with home-court advantage now, winning only the remaining home games will guarantee a match-up against the winner of Toronto-Orlando in the next round.
Game 4 is Sunday at the Wachovia Center. The white “Run with us” t-shirts will be in full effect again. If I make it to a game, I might get one and write “Detroit can’t” on top of it. Antonio McDyess is questionable for Sunday’s game as he broke his nose on a Andre Iguodala swipe. This is a must-win for the Pistons and they will probably be at the top of their game. That’s good, no more excuses.
Pistons Even The Score in a Big Way
After “shocking” most of the world, everyone expected the Pistons would play close to their best and they did. Detroit played angry and blew out the away team 105-88. The Sixers shot 9-27 in the first quarter. Chauncey Billups’ 9 points prevented all Detroit starters from scoring in double-figures.
Andre Iguodala continues to struggle finishing with 4 points on 1-9 shooting. Tayshaun Prince is an exceptional defender with his length but when you are “the man”, you can’t continue to shoot contested jumpshots and only shoot 9 attempts. He has to have the determination to get to the line no matter what. I expect him to bounce back in a big way in front of the home crowd though.
The normally aggressive and pressure defense applied by the 76ers was used by Detroit and the Sixers defense looked bad. The pick and roll needs a lot of work before Friday’s game. When Reggie Evans “shows” on the screen, that leaves Sheed open for a three (with a late contestion from a late rotation) or an open Antonio McDyess for a baseline jumper.
Penetration by guards was also deadly. Louis Williams got the normally mild-mannered coach ready to do some screaming as he allowed 3 straight layups in the 2nd quarter by Rodney Stuckey. Again, what makes him so unique is while he was mad, he left Lou in there and he ended up being the team’s leading scorer. Rip, Stuckey and Chauncey got the lane way too easy and didn’t receive the proper playoff greeting when they arrived. That’s what Reggie Evans is supposed to do, right?
The game was pretty much over in the 3rd quarter when the Pistons made a run to begin the second half. In garbage time, Rodney Carney played great and should receive a look for earlier minutes next contest. Louis Amundson even got some run. It was a playoff game and some could debate whether Mo threw in the towel too early. It is a very long playoff series and if Philly has any shot at stealing this series, they need to give 100% for 48 minutes of every game and the starters will take any rest they can get.
Game 2 is friday on ESPN2. I have a little problem with that. They give us a shot at primetime with TNT and we give them their only upset if the postseason. In return we get a NBA TV and ESPN2 games? Anyway, it will be a white-out at the Wachovia Center and the crowd should be fired since this is their first playoff experience since the little guy kept them standing for 48 minutes in ‘04. If the proper adjustments are made, the Sixers could really turn some heads by taking a 2-1 lead.
Note: Larry Brown resigned as Executive Vice President of the Philadelphia 76ers. He may be in the coaching ranks as soon as next year.
Re-Living The Madness
Just a little highlight video I received in my e-mail, looks like ESPN Highlights from the initial shot.
Enjoy.
Sixers 90 Pistons 86, ‘Nuff Said
How?
Just a few minutes ago the Philadelphia 76ers took down a behemoth, a giant of the Eastern Conference in Game 1 of their seven game series. The Sixers were supposed to make it close, maybe, if they got lucky. The Sixers were supposed to try to run the floor, but inevitably get caught up in the Pistons methodical half court game. Once again, this 76ers team showed us that what is supposed to happen, doesn’t always happen. I sat here thinking of a title for this article, usually it’ll be something clever and witty to describe what happened, but the title I decided on says it all.
The Pistons controlled this game for just about all forty-eight minutes. They ran their half court style of play throughout the first half and their 51-38 advantage at half-time showed it. Rasheed Wallace was an absolute he-man in the first half, filling up the stat sheet in just about every category. There was a particular play towards the end of the half where Wallace tallied about 3 blocks in a span of 10 seconds. Every time the Sixers drove the ball at him, he turned it away with force and arrogance, typical Rasheed Wallace fashion.
The Sixers never strayed from their game plan though, they kept driving it at the interior defense of the Pistons and eventually it wore down ‘Sheed and Co.
As the 3rd quarter started the Sixers went on an 8-0 run, which was sparked by some aggressive defense and the usual fast break game of the Sixers. The problem, that Sixers run was followed by a 6-0 run by the Pistons and the Sixers were essentially back where they started the half. Then Willie Green stepped up and sparked the Sixers when they needed it the most. With a driving finger roll layup and a jumper in the face of Rip Hamilton, the Sixers were within 9. Two more buckets and the Sixers were right within rear view mirror range of the Pistons.
From there on out the Sixers did what they do best, Run and Dunk.
Throughout the 3rd and 4th, the Pistons simply looked out of sync and even seemed like they were making an attempt to play the Sixers fastbreak style. Once they tried this things got ugly for the Pistons. Just about every player on the court for the home team was pulling up and taking awkward and forced jumpers, ones that they simply didn’t need to take. The Sixers used this to grab rebounds and advance the ball up court before the Pistons could get back, resulting in even more fast break points.
Even with as ugly as it got for Detroit, the Sixers could never truly pull away, and that is why this one came down to the final moments.
The Sixers free throw issue continued to bite them in the behind, as Andre Iguodala missed several free throws that could have but the game away. Instead with :11 left on the clock, the game was in the hands of the man who had controlled it throughout the first half. Rasheed Wallace took the inbounds pass, put a move on Samuel Dalembert, but then forced a quick shot close to the basket and the rebound was hauled in by Iggy. He was immediately fouled and sent to the line for two free throws that would seal the game.
This time the “New AI” put the Pistons out for good.
Iguodala finished with a near triple-double, tallying 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, but he did only shoot 4-15 from the field. Reggie Evans finished with 11 points and 14 boards, putting up 6 points during a very impressive stretch in the 4th. Meanwhile Andre Miller had 20 points to lead the team and Willie Green also had 17 for the Sixers, who will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series Wednesday Night.
All week the Sixers heard how they didn’t have enough experience to compete with the Pistons, didn’t have enough talent to stop Detroit on offense, and didn’t have enough firepower to overcome Detroit’s stifling defense. The Sixers did what they have done all season and proved the critics wrong by coming in to Detroit and wining there for the first time in the franchise’s playoff history.
Wednesday night they’ll try, and hopefully succeed in make it 2-6 in Detroit.
Billy King and Mo Cheeks preview the Sixers-Pistons series
NBATV previewed the Sixers-Pistons playoff matchup, including some studio analysis from former GM Billy King. He likes the Sixers chances with the Pistons, particularly for Dalembert. I will give him this - Dwight Howard is a bigger problem than the versatility of Rasheed Wallace.
Enjoy the clip!
Adversity’s Team Faces Another Tough Task
Despite losing their last 4 games, the Philadelphia 76ers are one of the 16 finalists this postseason. Due to their recent slump, they let the opportunity to move up in the standings slip away and are stuck facing the Detroit Pistons-Eastern Conference finals participants 5 years running.
By now you’ve heard every possible reason why the Pistons will destroy the Sixers. In a nutshell, Detroit is the better team. Unlike the Sixers, this isn’t their first go-around. Ever since taking the title in ‘04, they’ve treated the regular season as a warm-up for the real thing. Plus, they fell like they are the forgotten team with Boston being written in ink for the finals.
Writers and “experts” have the Sixers falling to the Pistons at the maximum of 6 games. Well, these are same ESPN’s writers that had the Sixers resembling the Knicks organization and barely getting 20 wins. Their credibility is just about shot with me. This young, scrappy, Sixers squad led by a mild-mannered coach, a calm point-guard and a budding superstar, had their own agenda.
You know the story. 18-30, dead in the water, Ed Stefanski comes in, trades Kyle Korver, develop a running style, wins over Boston, Detroit 2x, San Antonio, Orlando, Denver and Dallas….best story in basketball. Totally revamped this franchise, not by trading for superstars. But by hard-work.
This squad has been faced with nay-sayers all year long and have become accustomed to it. They know that Detroit is a great team but they have confidence in themselves and are just praying that Detroit takes them lightly. They aren’t doing anything to get them riled up like calling them overrated or saying they are a great match-up.
I do, however, believe they are a better match-up than the Magic with Dwight Howard causing havoc. While I would’ve preferred a series with Cleveland, I don’t know if I could’ve taken 4 games of LeBron favoritism. Pistons don’t have a guy that can win a game by himself but they have a group that has been playing together for 5 or 6 years.
Brian from Depressed Fan has in-depth breakdowns of the positional match-ups, starting with the PG’s and centers. Other positions to come later tonight or tomorrow. DF also partnered with Natalie from Need 4 Sheed to share some insight into the mind of the enemy.
I think both the bench and PG battles are a wash. What Andre Miller lacks in shooting, he makes up for in passing and floor leadership. “The Zoo Crew”made up of Amir Johnson, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell and Jarvis Hayes brings the energy to a slow-paced, veteran starting unit. Louis Williams, Rodney Carney and Willie Green/Thaddeus Young (depending on who starts. See my thoughts in the comments of this article) are basically starters and the Sixers don’t have a stable enough rotation to have a “second team” or “B team.”
There is a reason nobody wants to see Detroit-San Antonio in the championship. Detroit’s “walk the ball up the court” style is boring but effective. If the Sixers can force their will and make this an exciting series, it won’t be very exciting for Motown. People usually say you can’t run in the playoffs but the Sixers best shot is to try. If the game is in the 80’s, Detroit holds the upper hand. Sixers need near perfection to do more than steal a game in this series.
Fans shouldn’t worry about the team losing their sense of urgency over the past week or two. Sixers should have a chip on their shoulder and be a little bitter from the Fan Appreciation Day fiasco. Just a quick glance at the preseason and playoff predictions will give this team untapped energy if Mo’s great motivation skills aren’t enough. I’m worried about guys like Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young pressing and forcing the issue too much in his first playoff experience.
No prediction for me. Unlike the ESPN writers, I’ve learned my lesson not to count out this Sixers team. Two 16-point second-half comebacks and a 25-point 4th quarter comeback was enough for me. The new season starts on Sunday. Expect the unexpected.
Playoff Time: News & Notes
- The Sixers lost, in arguably the most meaningless game this team has played in quite some time. They didn’t need a win, although the momentum would have been quite nice. It never looks too great when you go in to the playoffs with a 4-game losing streak.
- Iggy had a really good shooting night, I know he was 10-21, but a lot of that was simply throwing up prayers late in the 4th quarter. He was very good from long range, as was the rest of the team, shooting 47% from beyond 3pt range.
- As Jon highlighted early this week, the Sixers are going to need Jason Smith in order to compete with Detroit. Unfortunately, Jason Smith is going to have to play a lot better than he did tonight against Emeka Okafor. Otherwise Rasheed Wallace is going to make him look like the rookie that he is.
- Willie Green had 13 points in the 1st quarter. Sounds promising right? Well he only had 14 the rest of the way and missed a lot of open shots.
- Once again, “Sweet” Lou Williams looked like a stud on the court, it seems like he has learned a lot from Andre Miller, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can take what he learned from AI, and what he is learning from AM, and fuse them together.
- Stephen Colbert promotes the Sixers, and Phillies, Eagles and Flyers, so the”Colbert Bump” should give us some help against Detroit.
Sixers fan in favor of saving the SuperSonics and moving a team to Oklahoma City
It really is ashame what is happening to Sonics fans. Clay Bennett and the rest of the owners in conjunction with the NBA are holding the city of Seattle hostage. The owners meetings are Thursday and Friday this week and one of the subjects on the agenda is relocating the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
There’s been plenty of debate over the past few days on the fate of Sonics fans. SonicsCentral has been asking for help to get the message out to block this move. MVN Outsider, The NBA Source, Cavalier Attitude, Bull Riding, Ball Don’t Lie, Sports by Brooks, Celticsblog and Basketball John jumped on board (to name a few). SuperSonicSoul has $300 million reasons to keep the Sonics in Seattle.
Image details: Seattle SuperSonics v Denver Nuggets served by picapp.com
ESPN’s Bill Simmons has been following this story for some time, so we are now past the eleventh hour. He actually suggests what I’ve been saying all along - let Clay Bennett move the Grizzlies to Oklahoma City where they can escape John Calipari’s shadow. The Grizzlies are the second best team in Memphis anyway.
I support a team in Oklahoma City. They supported the Hornets and finished ninth in league attendence last year. They’ve earned their own franchise, but not the Sonics. If the Sonics move to OKC, then look for the Grizzlies to abandon FedEx Forum and head back to their northwest roots. The Seattle Grizzlies just doesn’t have any ring to it though.
I think this is a foregone conclusion. They would drop “Super” from the name and become the City Sonics. It would be like the North Stars from Minnesota going south to Dallas and dropping “North” from their name. Minnesota eventually got a team back (i.e. the Wild). Still, I never understood hockey in the southern U.S.
The Sonics have a strong heritage in Seattle. I propose they stay, but fear it could be too late. Clay Bennett and David Stern are pulling a Art Modell job of the Cleveland Browns and it isn’t right.
At the low point of the season last year, Ed Snider threatened to explore moving the Sixers. That caused such a backlash that he ended up retracting his statement. This city lost an NBA franchise before when the Warriors moved west to the Bay Area in 1963. For one season, there was no professional basketball in Philadelphia. The Syracuse Nationals came to the rescue. Who will come to the rescue of Seattle? Their fans are hoping that David Stern comes to his senses.
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