It’s clear – the Sixers ARE a playoff team and proving every game they want and deserve to be there in the Eastern conference. Philly started 2008 with a dismal 4-11 record in January, and “playoffs” was like a 4-letter word back then. What has our home team been doing lately? Since that rocky start the Sixers are 12-5 as of February 1. Including…
- 4 in a row
- 8 in a row at home (9 in a row when you include the last home game in January)
- Scoring 103.4 PPG while only…
- Allowing only 94.6 PPG with a…
- +8.7 average point differential
If that’s not worth supporting this team I don’t know what is. On February 21st I said the Sixers needed to do three main things to secure at least the 8th playoff spot in the East:
- Beat up on the bad teams
- Defend the home court
- Play to their strengths
The Sixers have done just that. They’ve beaten the bums on their schedule: the Heat, Clippers, Supersonics and Bucks by an average of 21.8 PPG. Pound the scrubs – check. They are playing their best basketball at home now, most notably with a good win against the 3rd seed Orlando Magic Feb. 27th. They have their biggest home test tomorrow night against Boston, and I will be up-close-and-personal for that game behind the Celtic bench. Win at home – check. Finally rebound the ball, play tough defense and get out on the break. In the last 8 games the Sixers are averaging 41 boards a night (4.8 more than their opponents), forcing 16 turnovers and getting 9.4 steals per game. What I like is that 58% of their opponent’s turnovers come from steals, meaning it’s the Sixers pressure causing mistakes not unforced errors – that is important to note. Play to strengths – check.
The team is clicking and peaking at the right time and it’s really fun to watch. No wonder the Sixers are now only a half game behind Washington for the desperately needed 6th playoff spot. Let’s get it done boys.
P.S.
A message to Samuel Dalembert (who has played great of late) – SHUT UP!
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Key Components to the 76ers success this season
1) Since an early point in this season, the 76ers have established themselves as one of the few teams in the league with a positive ‘Rebounding Differential Per Game’ … which is a ‘key stat’ that distinguishes the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ teams from one another in the NBA.
2) The recent scoring upsurge from Thaddeus Young … giving them a 2nd option to go with Iggy.
Rebounding, Defense & sharing the ball on Offense have always been the hallmarks of good teams in the history of the NBA.
Seriously, who does Sammy think he is. This team is one bigman away from being a serious contender for a few years to come in the East.
Andre And Samuel are both the teams leading stars going into the future they need these two big men. Green looks like he will provide a solid role in the future as well so the pieces are there for the 76er’s now they just need to put it together.
-Scott
Headed to the Wachovia Center tonight to see the streakin’ Sixers take on the Celts. Should be a great game with a playoff like atmosphere. Cannot wait.
Brian – I will be down there as well. Really looking for them to take another step which is compete for an entire game vs. the best in the NBA. I am mostly concerned with how they handle Boston’s pressure and if they can stay in the game. Winning would be just gravy.
If the 76ers can somehow hang with the C’s tonight … when Boston will be ready for them, coming on the heels of this good stretch for Philly … it would be huge step up for ‘Li’l Mo’s Wrecking Crew’.
Here’s hoping they can play tonight like the 2nd coming of Andrew Toney, Bobby Jones, Moses and ‘the good Dr’ (himself) … in the heat of battle.
great analysis and I agree, Sam has to shut up…
but I will be fine if he goes on complaining and having 20+10 games
I hope that Evans tonight will stick a fork in KG’s arse, it’s gonna be fun….
Well interesting display last night. Thought we were in for a long night when it was 15-0 and the Truth was on FIRE. I think Ray Allens first, and maybe only miss was a foul shot in the 3rd quarter. Sixers made a valiant comeback and tied it up at 44. The place was rockin’. Second half, different story. Slammin Sammy had a whooping 2 points and 4 fouls at the 7:00 mark in the 4th. Iggy was on fire in the first half then couldnt buy a bucket in the second.
Ray finished 8-12 but it seemed like he did not miss at all.
Yeah hopefully after work I will post some photos (if I got any good ones) and some of my observations from the game. Not a good night at all for the Sixers.
I got some vids of the monster truck rally and our Sixer Dancers. Had the pleasure of sitting in the box with the parents of one. Got a good chuckle when they came to visit during halftime and all the drunk old men were staring and making comments right in front of her dad.
Upcoming schedule looks very tough for the 76ers to make any further headway in the EC standings. Hope they can hold on to the gains they’ve made recently.
“Got a good chuckle when they came to visit during halftime and all the drunk old men were staring and making comments right in front of her dad.”
LOL !!!
one question for all of you guys… how many beers you need to get drunk there? I mean, american beers are so light I guess it would take like 4-5 litres
Starting the “gauntlet” that is the Sixers schedule this March off with a win over Detroit…was HUGE. Dare I suggest…we were attempting to make a statement to a top seed we might be playing come playoff time (and will most likely get walloped by 4-1 or 4-2 lol)?
Solid road W for the 76ers tonight …
http://www.nba.com/games/20080312/PHIDET/boxscore.html
Key Game Stats?
Rebounds: Phi 39, Det 32
Turnovers: Phi 7, Det 14
Steals: Phi 9, Det 3
When they play like that Philly is a difficult team to beat.
What is your brew of choice Ricky?
It was hilarious by the way. This one dancer’s tool boyfriend was there and all these dudes were asking for pictures. Classic.