Part of the hope is that Howard get suspended for his stupidity (should have been an automatic ejection but refs mess up sometimes you deal with that). That cheap shot wasn’t and should not be mistaken for passion, toughness or killer instinct. It was nothing more than a punk ass move by a big ass, albeit it very talented – punk.
People that really know me as an athlete know I am all about beating the best and beating teams who are at full strength. I don’t wish injury on anyone nor do I prefer to sidestep tough opposition. But when you’re an idiot and break the rules you should have to pay.
Let me further reinforce the fact that I think SVG is a big ass whiner and far from a championship level coach. Dileo talking about Howard camping in the lane is indeed lobbying with officials. The best coaches (see: Jackson, Rivers, Pop, Sloan) do it when they see their team at a distinct disadvantage because of borderline calls or non calls. It’s part of the game. But SVG saying we are lobbying with officials because his player deliberately elbows a guy in the face is beyond ridiculous. Moving on…
Analyzing Game 5 Using the 6 Keys
Put up more shot attempts.
- Sixers: 68
- Magic: 76
Minus 8. Product of getting destroyed on the boards. When Sam isn’t on the floor we don’t rebound.
Force turnovers and take care of the ball yourself.
- Sixers: 15
- Magic: 13
Plus 2. Bad, bad turnovers. 12 turnovers between Thad (3), Miller (5) and Iguodala (4). Jump passes anyone? This was not a smartly played game even a little bit. Surprised we only lost by 13.
Control the boards with a team approach.
- Sixers: 33
- Magic: 45
Minus 12 and minus 11 on the offensive end. Doesn’t get much worse than that. Howard had 10 offensive rebounds alone. Standing in the lane or not, no one could handle him last night. Have to do a better job as a team, it’s not just on one guy to secure all the rebounds for us like Howard does for them.
No more “hope” perimeter defense.
- Magic FG%: 43.4%
- Magic 3pt%: 34.8% (8-23)
Foul Dwight Howard.
8-12. When he shoots 65% or better there isn’t much you can do.
Take Hedo Turkoglu out of the game
Hedo had another weak game but was picked up by Howard and Lewis.
Game 2 Specifics
Why are we shooting so many damn threes? 18 attempts last night. And if that is what the defense is giving us Marshall should be on the court much more than he is. He’s not going to make every shot but it will at least make the defense think before they collapse. That split second may be all Iguodala or Miller needs to get to the rim for a bucket.
Orlando tightened up their defense and have directed the Sixers to take more jump shots. They have complied. You can tell because we aren’t getting to the line at the same rate. I don’t want to hear anything about contact and no calls. Forget that shit, it’s the playoffs. The series have been less aggressive to the rim due in large part do Orlando’s double teams, collapsing help defense and Howard owning the paint.
Lewis had his best game and Thad got abused defensively last night straight up. The Magic also did some good things to take advantage of the Sixers laziness, I mean strategy to switch every screen. Lewis was matched up with a smaller Willie Green on the block a few times.
Thank god for Willie Green. If he had one of his “off” games we might not have needed to watch the second half.
We should be facing a seriously depleted Magic team in game 6 with Howard’s suspension (better be) and Courtney Lee (another Howard elbow) in doubt for the game as well with a head injury.
Even if both guys play the Sixers need to bounce back and put the pressure on the Magic to win a game 7 at home. But for that to happen we are going to need to start connecting on a few more perimeter shots. Or did the Sixers just blow their whole load in the few couple games?
That’s it for now, but I am sure I’ll have some more to say tonight about Thad, Speights and what we can do to turn the tables.
Next Game: Thursday at 7:30pm
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{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }
Courtney Lee is definitely out for Game 6 and it’s uncertain he will even return for game 7 and beyond with a fractured sinus.
Ughh. Well said Dannie. While watching game 4 my brother’s and I noticed how frustrated Howard looked. Not having any fun at all. Sixers are doing something right in that regard. I saw it commented elsewhere that the elbow incident was handled ok because it didn’t escalate at the time. . . Huh? Isn’t that the point? The Sixers handled it properly and the league should realize that they don’t want another Pacers / Pistons type brawl.
Following letter of rulebook strictly, Howard should be out for Game 6. Following discretion and common sense, he should be in. (NBA will rule according to finger-to-the-wind read of prevailing sentiment in combination with financial concerns.) Both principals flagrantly violated the rules and spirit of the game. Dalembert’s two-armed, legs-planted lane shove of unsportsmanlike and flagrant aggression into the back of Howard that precipitated Howard’s dangerous-but-glancing above-shoulders elbow to Dalembert’s head has to be considered when league officials review the tape and mete out situation justice. If Sam had been playing the game hard and straight and hadn’t instigated retaliation in the moment (and throughout Series actually with his and Ratliff’s combo-accrual of overly-physical junk), his response as a human being wouldn’t have been as blank or passive as it was; we tend to rise up when we’re truly wronged or undeserving. The “dire” consequence of Howard’s elbow action: Dalembert instantaneous fright and a gained measure of respect for Howard’s retaliatory potential. Game continued on without further incident.
Dileo’s post-game beef lacked juice, reeked of sour grapes.
For some ridiculous Orlando Magic fan commentary and comical justifications on the incident and whether Howard should be suspended you can read here.
JJG – Why not just outright root for the Magic.
Dannie - Why not just turn a blind eye.
I think DiLeo was preaching to the officials the right way, without being annoying. Stan is starting to get on my nerves, he is worse than his brother. He sounds like a guy that is losing a series.
David Stern has to lay down the stern law and suspend Howard. I remember in 2004 between the Kings and Timberwoleves, Anthony Peeler of the Kings elbowed Garnett in Game 6, when Garnett gave him a chicken wing. It’s always the retaliation play that officials catch. He was ejected and was suspended for Game 7 and one regular season game.
GO SIXERS!! DON’T GIVE UP!! MAKE STAN ANCY!!
JJG – Turn a blind eye to what? Sam and others physical handling of Howard?
Dannie - it’s “root,” not “rout,” but that’s the right question to ask of JJG
Real Rob - your comment about Stern reminds me of one of the funniest quotes ever. It was by Kevin McHale, when asked whether the penalty for the Joe Smith incident (5 first round picks, $3.5 million) was too harsh: “His name’s not David Compassion. His name’s David Stern.”
The only disagreement I have here is you calling Howard a punk. He’s actually the opposite, a great guy who understands and appreciates his good fortune. In a league littered with punks, thugs, and general malevolence there should be more players like him.
I am not excusing his actions last night, just looking at the bigger picture.
Dileo is usually more prudent than to publicly show up referees. That was an emotional response for him, somewhat analogous to the grade school tattletale whispering to the teacher after getting bullied at recess. You probably noticed that he walked the fine rhetorical line of not condemning explicitly, as if there’s a substantive difference. Can’t blame him for being upset but he usually addresses with more objectivity. He may have lost Game 6 whistle-advantage choosing that medium to lodge complaint.
Ed Stefanski’s take on the incident.
TheRobTyson – I feel you. And I generally have no qualms with Howard at all. But if you want to hit someone in the face (which clearly he did), walk up to him man-to-man and hit him in the face. Don’t come from behind and cheap shot him. That’s a punk ass move and I stand by that.
Depressed Fan has the video as well as some other incidents for comparative analysis if you so choose.
Dannie – The full situation, the particulars and context of the case.
Dannie – And what did you think of Sam’s move prior to Howard’s elbow? Or Theo’s flagrant (and potentially-dangerous) yank down? Or Miller’s flying body block in lane (in which he came up limping)? Or Evans’ habitually sending a player to floor and out of bounds with a sneaky forearm? Might they also be “punk ass”?
jjg, it’s like you’ve never watched a playoff series before. this happens all the time. guys like poppavich & phil jackson are notorious for making snide comments about the officials during a press conference. and if you notice, the officials tend to pay more attention to the complaint during the next game.
Mike, You’ve slighted me before about my NBA watching experience.
Please desist. It’s worse than a Dwight Howard elbow. Or a Dileo & Stefanski carp.
Problem is guys like Howard and Shaq back in the day are they need to be fouled hard or they will get and 1’s all day. I have had no problem with the way the sixers are being physical that is the name of the game. As a human being I can understand especially in a 7 game series when the same guys are hacking you how that will make you mad but, I think Howard should be suspended for game 6 since he wasn’t ejected from game 5. If Sammy elbowed Howard this would not even be a discussion. The NBA needs to suspend Howard they set the bar when they suspended Amare and other suns for standing up on the bench acouple years ago against the spurs.
SVG is a punk he has shown us no respect and basically on acouple occasions said we are getting lucky. He was lobbying the other night talking about a Lou Williams possible walk that wasn’t called, and other stuff. Dileo has shown respect to the Magic, in his pressers, Van Gundy has not and he will never win a championship, due to the way he acts.
JJG – Why do you assume that wasn’t all accounted for, but let me elaborate my thoughts at an attempt for clarity.
Have the Sixers taken a “rough him up” approach to defending Howard? No doubt, why wouldn’t they? He is a weak free throw shooter and they have decided to single cover him. That means if you can force him into a tough shot, great. If not, hack so he can’t finish. Hacking is within the realm of the rules. Leave it to the refs to make the foul calls, which they should.
Is Howard suppose to like that? Hell no, but he should be used to it by now and if he isn’t he better quickly do so because it won’t likely change and will potentially get worse as he improves. Part of being a talented on the verge of consistently dominant big fella, young buck. Howard dishes out his fair share of body blows himself as well, as he should.
About the specific play:
As for Sam’s driving in his back. Typical poor Sam attempt to block out, (why he’s been on the bench more than the court this series) this time with much more misplaced aggression. Flagrant? Hardly that would be being pretty liberal and generous to our softy center. Should have been a foul called that wasn’t, absolutely.
Howard took exception, warranted. Reply, poor on many fronts.
Look when I was coming up my dad said if someone hits you on the court, “get ‘em back. But be smart about it.” That’s where Howard went wrong.
Best course of action, make your free throws, dominate the game and send your foe packing for the summer. Should be fulfilling enough. If it’s not…
…and you really want to get at Sam for roughing you up with his pointy elbows and frail arms, OK. Grab a big board, chin it with elbows extended and pivot strong and lay one on him. Maybe you get hit with an offensive, no big deal.
That doesn’t work for you, follow Shaq’s lead. Catch it in the post, chin it, elbows high, pivot into Sammy’s waiting jaw. Trot back down court accepting your offensive foul and get back to work. Hell maybe you even get away with it.
Costing your team a point was unnecessary and now potentially costing your team a game without you even more unnecessary and costly. That’s losing basketball, be smart about it.
He did it, he deliberately did it and acknowledge after the game it was a reaction to the physical play, that’s fine. Await your fate and accept it.
Better execution of “sending a message” and you don’t have to worry whether the league office will use discretion or follow the letter of the law, you’d be focused on game 6, not the suits.
Furthermore, the refs missed the call in-game. The rules are there so they don’t have to use discretion and consistency can be relatively maintained. Flagrant elbow above shoulder is a “must (not may) be ejected” offense. You think Sam’s preceding play was flagrant, then tech him, toss Howard for his retaliation.
Howard should be suspended because it’s what the rules say and maintains the consistency of the new NBA Stern has/wants to create. It’s softer than it used to be. It also maintains the consistency of following the rules to the letter regardless of financial impact, player stature etc. (Amare suspension in the playoffs for leaving bench etc.) rather than leaving every situation up to discretion and inconsistent subjective judgment. That would only give ammo to the conspiracy theorist of the world to take shots at the league’s motives/authenticity/transparency. Also not good PR after the referee scandal.
That pretty much sums it up, Dannie. Well said.
Every analyst on national television believes Howard will be suspended for at least Game 6.
For now, the Sixers MUST assume and prepare for Game 6 as though Howard will be playing Thursday.
The Sixers MUST:
-keep their composure (every game increases its intensity level!)
-finish plays and keep playing until a whistle is blown
-get defensive rebounds
-capitalize in the paint when Gortat is in
-MILK the Iguodala-Turkoglu matchup (It’s working)
-get Georgia Pride(Thad and Lou) going!
-leave Howard alone and let him score all the points (What can I say?)
-defend the threes (especially Lewis)
-outscore their bench
End of story!
Side note:
Also, the league is looking at Rajon Rondo’s elbow to Brad Miller’s teeth. He is not an All-Star, but a critical role player for a short handed Celtics team. He could be suspended for a game or maybe two. IF the Sixers do advance to the 2nd round and face the Celtics, that could be critical. But the Howard elbow was certainly obvious.
GO SIXERS!! BE JAZZY(Jeff) AND TURN THE TABLES AROUND!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0dCVwdedE&feature=related
This isn’t the first time for Howard elbowing another player, although he was not caught there in a matchup with Pau Gasol. Gasol ended up with the technical.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2×893QnwDyo
No suspension there for Howard after that game.
David Stern is perhaps one of the best commissioners in sports and continues to polish its image. I’m sure he will not tolerate Howard’s elbow. But I’ll tell you what, Dalembert is doing a GREAT job of pestering Howard. Perhaps if there is a Game 6 without Howard and possibly a Game 7, the refs will keep an eye on BOTH Howard and our frontcourt. Because a Game 7 is HUGE!
GO SIXERS!! GET GAME 6 AND PROVE THAT NICE GUYS CAN FINISH FIRST!!
Looks like we got justice, George Diaz of the Orlando Sent. just tweeted that Howard was suspended for Game 6
http://twitter.com/georgediaz/status/1651377850 – Not sure how credible but this is the first word of a suspension or not for Howard.
And here is more official looking news that Howard IS INDEED suspended for game 6.
And finally ESPN as the final source.
Check out the third paragraph on Howard’s personal blog.
BREAKING NEWS: DWIGHT HOWARD HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR GAME 6!!
http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009/04/29/howard.suspended.ap/index.html
NO ONE COMES INTO OUR HOUSE AND PUSHES AROUND..LET’S DO IT SIXERS!! WE NEED YOU FANS MORE THAN ANYTHING!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w8BfH1Q_zM&feature=related
Rob – Kill the all caps.
Well gentlemen, it’s that point in the series where teams get sick of each other and want to punch them in the face! It’s that part of the series when we go away, home, and possibly away. Physicality will be brutal game after game and the officials want to see who responds through ADVERSITY. WE MUST BE THAT TEAM!! That is the key to understanding officials, simple as that!!
To answer Howard’s response about why we are complaining now is this. We are NOT whiners and we have more heart than your team–how does that sound you Shaq wannabe? We’re not the ones with a panicking coach here! GO to LA if you want a ring!!
I wonder what Shaq’s take on the Sixers-Magic series is? It seems weird without him in the playoffs. He is truly the real Superman, the real comedian, and the real dominant thing with the bling!!
Anyway, Magic fans, Sixers fans– at this point– IT’s PERSONAL!! THIS MEANS WAR!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41cJUliIuH0&feature=related
Sorry Dannie, I just noticed your post!
Haven’t posted for a while, but here’s two.
Real Rob:
I beg to differ. I’d say LOTS of teams have come into our “house”, and have pushed us around. I put “house” in quotes because the Sixers fans have been absolute junk since about 2004-2005.
Bill Simmons on Andre Iguodala:
Q: Are there any unacceptable scenarios for preening after hitting a big playoff shot?
A: Just one. I call it the Andre Iguodala Corollary — namely, if you just sucked for the last two minutes of Game 1, bricked two free throws and missed another shot, you are not allowed to prance around like a superstar if you happen to make an absolutely atrocious stutter-step fallaway for the lead — a shot that you never should have taken in a million years. I will allow you to chest-bump a teammate or two, but that’s it.
I couldn’t agree more.
I have absolutely no faith in our team’s ability to win this series, I’ll be very happy if we push it to seven games, but we are not beating the Orlando Magic. I’m pessimistic about our team, pissed off, and am really looking forward to the draft. Aka, will Lawson/Flynn stay around long enough for us to pick them, or will we go for the Ellington/Budinger route.
Mediocre teams that overachieve are the most @!#$ing frustrating teams to watch, and I swear to god sometime in my life I am going to die from cardiac arrest from the sheer frustration of watching our team. Bleck.
I guess it’s a mark of Iguodala’s overall progress that his many critics on this site are now focusing on his gestures, minor aspects of his play (jump passing), and specific intervals of games when he’s not “taking over,” rather than on his overall play. Left out of the criticism is the fact that he’s averaging a 22-7-7 while shutting down Turkoglu (who not only is averaging 5 ppg below his season average but also shooting 33% while doing so, with as many turnovers as assists) AND playing nearly every minute of every game. Iguodala has been the Sixers’ best player in this series, without question. And for those who would attribute Turkoglu’s ineffectiveness to his ankle injury, why is it that when anyone else guards him (Thad, Ivey, etc.), he seems to score easily?
Dave T……..Nice to hear from you again, I think?!? Try and relax a bit. I made it through the unbearable frustration phase I was in a while back and I’m sure you will too.
To All………The fact that Howard is out for game 6 kind of scares me, you know? The Magic keep shooting the 3 better in each successive game. As goofy as this sounds, with Howard dominating down low I think the Magic felt somewhat obligated to go to him, like he’s being so productive how could we not keep giving him the ball. I really think this is a big reason why their number of 3-point attempts have been below normal.
Well, with Howard out they will not be conflicted over what to do. Gotta figure they are going to spread the floor, drive and kick, and bomb away. Combine this approach with the fact that they are shooting better and we will probably be looking at a lot of attempts and potentially a lot of makes.
The other thing is, I know that DiLeo and the players will be talking about maintaining their focus and about increasing their intensity, rather than letting up and having a drop off due to Howard’s absence, but I do not know that they will actually be able to accomplish this on the court.
BSKI – Let me counter/attempt to ease your mind.
Orlando shot horribly in games one and two and we split. They shot well (40% 8 makes) in game 3 and lost even with Howard dropping 36 on top of the threes. Last night while they made 8 they still only shot 34.8% on their attempts. It hasn’t been an issue in the series because they aren’t shooting as many attempts as they did in the regular season (27) and they aren’t shooting them well. They actually aren’t shooting that much better either. They were 30% in game 4 and 34.8 in game 5.
So first lets assume they shoot more with Howard out and we maintain the same level of defense on those attempts. The shoot more but maintain their mediocre %, I’ll take that.
What I don’t understand is why is your first thought about their offense? Maybe they shoot more and maybe shoot them better. Maybe they can penetrate and kick (I don’t think this is necessarily true and even if it is there is a simply way to handle it with Howard out).
What I think is more than just a maybe is the fact that they will be weaker in the paint offensively. They will be weaker on the boards on both ends, which in terms we should impose our regular season offensive rebounding advantage. They will be weaker protecting the rim. I think these have a bigger impact on the game than Orlando shooting more threes.
I will save the specific strategy talk for tomorrow before the game.
Blski, I worry about a letdown but Lee being out along with Howard means Redick probably gets a long run and Willie and L.Will. and A.Miller should take turns attacking him. The last time I saw R.Jeremy so pissed was when his costars told him they were all faking it.
Game 6 Plan offensively– Attack The Rim!!
You know everybody is saying Dwight Howard should have been ejected yesterday! The Sixers were definitely robbed there. I feel like Adam Sandler from the Wedding Singer about the suspension. (guess which line from the film?)!
Anyway, if a Game 7 is forced, the refs better keep an eye on both of those elbows!! Perhaps, Dwight might be a “little” reluctant and might be a “little” rusty.
The Sixers must be Jaws and follow the trail of blood!
Anyway, Go 76ERS!!
Now that Dwight Howard elbow has become a blueprint for officials. Tonight, there were plenty of chippy plays occuring in the Heat-Hawks game. So, perhaps from here on out, officials are looking to prevent anything major from erupting.
GO SIXERS!
Dannie.……You’re right about the Magic being weaker on the boards and protecting the rim. I definitely see that as an area we should be able to exploit and be a key to us getting a win. I don’t know why the Magic shooting 3’s was the first thing that popped into my head. Just a weird feeling I got is all. I hope I am wrong.
(Dannie/Pete…I think my last message didnt come through for some reason, trying again)
Bski:
Yeah, we all enter our black holes as Sixers fans. Don’t get me wrong, I’m screaming in excitement over every play on my end…but underneathe it is the realization that we are a 1st round exit playoff team, and even if we get lucky (injuries, suspensions, etc. to Magic) we don’t really deserve the 2nd round.
And despite the fact I think Iguodala once again proved that he IS clutch by taking, and making, a horrendous shot that he cannot hit at any other point in the game…I’m ALL ABOUT Iguodala this series. He’s shocked me. He’s shown swagger, heart, leadership, and a “don’t !@#$ with me, we are winning this game” mentality that I am proud of, he should be proud of, and that has been a long time coming.
You have to admit it’s amusing though that, if you had to put money on it, and Iguodala had a wide open 18 foot jumper, wouldn’t you be betting against him? I know I would. He’s not a shooter. His midrange jumpshot has improved a bit, but I certainly wouldn’t call it reliable…so it’s one of those great, bizarre NBA player-isms that he’s proven again and again that he can hit these tough buzzer beater or under 2 minutes left shots…that there is no way he’d hit at any other point in the game.
Go Iguodala!!! And I really hope we can take it to the Magic with all of their injury woes.
Greek: I’m officially on board the Thad Young train. He is a top 3 candidate for MIP next year. I’m seeing 17 ppg, 6 rebounds, and 38% from behind the arc.
The Sixers should be able to run and gun easily without Howard looming. Those defensive rebounds trigger the fastbreak hence great basketball.
bski: you’re overthinking. our problem in this series has not been their shooting in any capacity. it always was and is Howard. Take him out, you essentially have a Raptors team.
Dave T: you were beginning to scare me for a second there. good recovery. good take on Iguodala, weird isnt he?
if you need a little more cause for your mediocre team theory just remember that some mediocre teams constantly underachieve or are on par waiting for a magical superstar to fall from heaven and save them and just never get anywhere. so passive. creating a losing culture is plaguing a lot of teams right now. I would take the over achievers cos at least there is hope. rising to championship level does not happen overnight or over the offseason. Boston being the anomaly.
on Howard’s elbow: i think its fair that he got suspended. should have been ejected right away but Sammy initiated it. The two handed shove was just a result of having to box out a 300lb beast. Howard should get that by now in his career that people are gonnna be Shaq-ing him and he needs top learn to play with it. Dumb but i wont say malicious.
Game 6: Cmon Sixers, you have just been granted a second chance at life; d-o-n-t f-u-c-k t-h-i-s u-p!!! (sorry Dannie & Pete, some words just express better your message)
jkay: Good way to put it. “Take him out and you essential have a Raptors team.” Very true indeed.
Dannie, Responding to your elaborate post #20, you lost me on the first sentence.
“Why do you assume that was all accounted for?“- huh? What are you talking about? I have no idea.
I’ve assumed nothing, but have responded to the controversial moment of Game 5 (and subsequent melodrama) after reading the homerish fodder of your thread’s prefacing remarks. I give you a high mark for passion, but don’t agree with Joe.
Yes, Howard’s elbow reply was momentarily headless, but the volatility was mild, considering the action – both immediate (SD) and cumulative (band of Sixers) – that preceded it. It was a physically inconsequential, “get out of my kitchen” message to Dalembert, who, in concert with other Sixers, have draped themselves exceedingly, clawingly, muggingly on the Magic center. Had he wanted to, he could’ve stopped and snapped Sam in half like a twig. But he’s above that.
The league responded with a 1 playoff game suspension in fear of further image decay (and business ramifications), rather than impose a more finely-tuned, big picture ruling (fine and/or suspension at next season’s start). The (gleeful) Sixers staff and indulging referees that encouraged and allowed the mixing to reach WWF standards of play are complicit in the watering down of tonight’s game.
And how about Stefanski’s transparent “magninimity”of comparing Howard to incomparables, Wilt and Russell, after he (and droning Tony) successfully lobbied for the young player’s removal from Game 6 - what a guy! Keep his sugar out of my tea.
jkay……I’m not sure if I’m overthinking, not thinking clearly, or just plain not thinking. Whatever the case, I can’t shake the feeling that, with Howard out, game 6 will open up and it will be easier to score, but we will end up in the situation we’ve talked about needing to avoid, which is trading our 2’s for their 3’s, and not being able to keep up.
BTW, saying that the Magic without Howard is essentially the Raptors doesn’t make me any more confident, as we usually don’t fare too well against them.
bski- That’s true as well. But I think the Sixers might have turned a corner in defending the threes thus far in this series. Now, when we last lost to the Raptors, Young did not play in that game. The last time Young played against the Raptors, he had 31 pts. I expect the Sixers to attack the basket. Lou and Thad Must have better games!
Also, when will Kareem Rush play at least a few minutes? If this goes 7 games and you want to throw the Magic off guard somewhat, this is where guys that play few minutes can suprise people. Possibly (think Game 6 when the Lakers beat the Timberwolves in 04). He can use one of his fouls on Howard.
Our veterans and bench could be the difference in this series from here on out.
But I am a bit anxious and excited about Game 6 and I think analysts are starting to have some sympathy for the Sixers. I hope the officials do as well for not whining as much.
GO SIXERS!!
Finally, we are now a favorite to win Game 6 according to ESPN’s AccuScore and are a 4 point favorite. In the series, the Magic had a huge point spread throughout the series, including the two games at Philly. I hope our boys can get the job done!
When I think about it now, the Raptors have Chris Bosh. If Rashard Lewis played like Bosh, then it could be a different story. The Raptors also play an inside-outside game, but Bosh is not so dominant in the paint. But the Magic are still like the Raptors without Howard. The Sixers must attack the rim, get the defensive rebounds, keep their composure and play through calls, and get to the free throw line(and make them).
GO SIXERS!!
Rob……You are right that we have been better at defending against the 3 in this series. Post #46 is just a nagging thought that I can’t push out of my head.
Logically, you’ve got to figure that since we’ve played Howard straight up, we are certainly going to be playing Gortat and Battie the same way. Also, with one caveat*, it’s realistic to figure that the two of them together will not do what Howard has done individually on both ends of the floor. (*caveat: Gortat and Battie may actually passs the ball out of the post and find open guys—shooters, cutters—more than Howard, who has taken the ball to the rim every single time he has touched it figuring, correctly, that he would either overpower the defender and score, get fouled and head the the free throw line, or both.)
Looking at it that way, we should be able to focus that much more on taking the 3-point shot away from the Magic on the defensive end, while getting to the rim and the free throw line regularly on the offensive end. The situation is set up well for us, so I’ll try to disregard that nagging thought.
bski: understand you perfectly. you’re thinking its the old sixers. yeah those guys would definitely lose that game. so sure of it. but the new Sixers (i hope) are able to pull it out.
as per defense, Gortat and Battie DONT command double teams, Gortat and Battie DONT GET all our bigs in foul trouble, Gortat and Battie DONT block shots like freakin Maute Bol, Gortat and Battie DONT get superstar treatment from the officials, Gortat and Battie DONT know any other way to score other than 12ft jumpers or putbacks, Gortat and Battie DONT give us any problems at all.
Also, the Magic are 29th in assists in the regular season. That was because of their three point accuracy and Howard’s ability to score inside–the inside-outside game. When the Magic are not hitting threes, that ball will certainly stick and hence the Sixers could get more steals. Other than Howard, the other Magic players look uncomfortable trying to score in the paint or drive to the hoop. Now, Dalembert and Ratliff can get back to being the defensive anchor and block shots, without having to deal with D-12 (not the rap group).
Will the Sixers acknowledge it?
Also, look at the pressure on the Magic. They are the team with the most pressure since they were heavily favored to win the series and win it easily. Winning it easily certainly won’t happen, now for the Magic to win the series is now under question and scrutiny.
GO SIXERS!! Heigh Ho Heigh Ho, it’s off to work we go (you know why this tune is in my head, right?–Seven)
Wow, I just found this on ESPN, there is immense pressure on the Magic and Stan Van Gundy’s coaching (not Jeff)!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?page=VanGundy-090430
Also, Courtney Lee is expected to have surgery and could miss the remainder of the playoffs.
http://comcastsportsnet.stats.com/multisport/story.asp?i=20090430140350611103104&ref=hea&tm=&src=TOP
Lee is out. Howard’s actions (both inadvertent) may have cost the Magic big. even if they advance.
in defense of SVG, every coach gets criticized. no one really cares as long as you continue to win. everyone got on Mo Cheeks cos we wanted him to show more fire and get on the asses of his players, here is a guy that does a little too much of that. its hard to find middle ground you know.
jkay…..I like your thinking, as well as your conviction, on this a lot better than my own. Thanks.
#45 spelling correction: magnanimity
#12 result correction: Game 7