MVN: Most Valuable Network

In a game very reminiscent to the 25-point 4th comeback against Portland, a depleted Sixers squad overcame a 18-point 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls 110-106. Andre Iguodala had a game high 25 points (10-12 from the line). A complete team effort was needed to pull off this rally. Veterans like Kevin Ollie played major minutes in the fourth quarter while start Andre Miller played the role of towel-waver. It's hard to imagine that this team's heart and determination is still in question, but anybody who didn't believe is now on the bandwagon.

Chicago got off to a hot start on their homecourt and the halftime score was 58-43. Sixers kept pace because of their amazing free-throw shooting (40/44 = 91%). No, Reggie Evans didn't miss all 4 (he went 6/6!). The third quarter was much of the same. Both teams playing on the same level, neither able to make a run to either seal the game or cut the lead. That all changed in the fourth quarter.

"Lightning Rod"-ney Carney followed his best game of the season with his second best game of the season. He was raining threes in the fourth quarter and his trey in the corner with 1:59 left in the game gave Philly their first lead since 2-0. His jumpshot looks a lot better and he is letting his shots come to him instead of forcing them. Carney's 3 three pointers were all made in the final 6 minutes and his 18 points and 6 rebounds in 24 minutes were the determining factor in the victory. The player he was traded for on draft night, Thabo Sefolosha, paced the Bulls scoring 20.

Lou made a couple big shots after that to give Sixers command of the game late. The best play of the game was when Lou played great D on ex-Sixers Larry Hughes and drew an offensive foul late in the game. For the second straight game, Lou-Will has played great defense on a key possession. His shot may not be falling but if he proves he's not a liability on defense, he will stay on the court down the stretch.

Kevin Ollie played the entire final period and in the final seconds, he forced Ben Gordon into a contested leading three that went begging and sealed the game. Andre Miller did not play in the fourth quarter. Mo Cheeks was afraid his back would stiffen up so he just stuck with the players that were in. Willie also sat out for his 2nd straight game but is expected to play tonight against San Antonio.

Sixers fell into the trap of a letdown game after the big win in Detroit but were able to get out of the big hole. Chicago actually held the fastbreak advantage (when's the last time that has happened?). Although it was sloppy and not the prototypical win over a bad Bulls team, it was another game basically won in the half court. This team is learning how to win "playoff-type" games and these tight road wins (4 straight on the road) will only help us in the playoffs.

The streaking 76ers go home to face the defending champion Spurs tonight. Would you imagine that with a month left in the season, your 76ers would only be 2 games below .500? We are halfway done with the "Murderous March" schedule and we are playing better than expected against the league's elite. People are starting to take notice of the young guys in Philly and the coach (of the year). Most people's expectations of the team have been reached already and probably surpassed. Washington still has a 1.0 game lead for 6th seed and Sixers are all alone in 7th. Let's look to finish the toughest week of the season 3-1 tonight.