Huge win for the Sixers. They showed great mental toughness in handling the Magics run, not folding and being the team to make more plays to win the game. Thad’s play was awkward but effective. Howard mugged him but I don’t expect anyone to get a foul call there. He stuck with it, showed some good instincts and made the final winning play of many for the Sixers.
Analyzing Game 2 Using the 6 Keys
Put up more shot attempts.
- Sixers: 71
- Magic: 73
Minus 2
Force turnovers and take care of the ball yourself.
- Sixers: 15
- Magic: 14
Plus 1
Control the boards with a team approach.
- Sixers: 35
- Magic: 35
Minus 3 on the offensive end
No more “hope” perimeter defense.
- Magic FG%: 42.5%
- Magic 3pt%: 40% (8-20)
While the Magic finally shot the ball well from three they still aren’t getting up the number of attempts they did in the regular season (27) and more importantly the Sixers are making a few therefore keeping the disparity at a reasonable number. That last point is key.
Foul Dwight Howard.
Howard was 12-14 (85.7%) from the line in 45 minutes. What can you do? The kid stepped up in a big way and knocked down not only most of his free throws but two critical game tying free throws under pressure. Just gotta give credit where credit is due. Howard has been great overall in this series when he is on the floor and his team stops fooling around and gives him the ball. He looks like he wants to win, that’s something you can’t really say for the rest of the that team right now. Which leads perfectly to…
Take Hedo Turkoglu out of the game
2-12 from the field, 5 turnovers and only 4 assists, 6-6 from the line for 11 points. I thought this guy was a player and he very well may be and his lackluster performance is due to his nagging ankle injury. But he looks horrible and if you are on the court their are no excuses.
It’s not just a problem of getting good shots, he has been incapable of getting the ball and shots at all with Iguodala smothering him. He is getting thoroughly outplayed in every aspect of the game at the position and that was one of my keys to winning the series. If that persists we could be looking at an improbable upset. But I am trying not to get ahead of myself too early.
Game 2 Specifics
The Sixers won this game by continuing their strong shooting, playing some really good defense for stretches and creating a 10-point differential in fast break points.
Aside from finally making some shots and giving the team some points (12 on 6-9 shooting) Willie Green made three winning plays down the stretch that I am 100% certain had Lou been in the game he wouldn’t have made. Green entered the game with 1:59 remaining and the score – 92-88 Sixers. Lewis promptly hit a three to cut the lead to 92-91. At that point I really, really thought the Sixers were in trouble then…
- Willie got the ball at the top, drove hard left and hit a tough, let fundamentally sound backboard shot at the perfect 45 degree angle. Winning play #1
- Winning play #2 was a simple foul on Dwight Howard with his team up 3, thirty one seconds remaining and Howard preparing for a relatively easy finish under the basket. Willie got a good hard foul on him and he couldn’t finish, forcing him to get ‘em at the line. He went 1-2
- Now this probably gets overlooked because Howard ended up making both three throws but with the score 94-92 Howard found himself WIDE OPEN in front of the rim after a defensive breakdown between Sam and Thad at the top of the key and Howard got the rock. Willie hurried from the corner to get again wrap Howard up preventing him from simply dunking the ball to tie the game. In my opinion that is a winning play (#3) because he gave his team a chance to hold the lead and put the opponent in position to make a mistake (miss a free throw or 2). Credit goes to Howard for calmly knocking them down.
The Andre’s are dominating right now which is necessary for the Sixers to have a chance of winning this thing. Iguodala was fantastic last night because he scored 29 points on only 15 shot attempts. That is exactly how his scoring lines should look. Efficient shot attempts and a lot of free throw attempts. Most importantly he isn’t slacking on the other end. Turk may be gimpy but Iguodala is playing him like he is at full strength and attacking him, staying in his bubble and contesting all shots. The way Iguodala is playing is what we all expected and want from him. A complete player.
I will continue with the boxing references I started before the game yesterday. The two games here in Philly are critical for 3 main reasons in my mind:
- Maintain the home court advantage we stole
- Build confidence and avoid the de-ja vu feeling from last year
- Give Orlando a reason to quit by going up 3-1
The knockout punch should come tomorrow night. They win I don’t think Orlando comes back at all. In fact I wouldn’t even be surprised if they don’t win another game. I just haven’t seen enough toughness from the Magic outside of Howard and Lee (at times).
Next Game: Sunday at 6:30
Dannie,
Even if the Sixers win tomorrow’s game, I don’t think the series is over. From the looks of it, neither team is going to get an easy win. Both teams have shown that they are never going to give up. I think if the Magic are going to quit on the whole series, then they would have quit last night down by 17 points. I think it is going to be a battle no matter who is winning the series. But winning Game 4 would be HUGE for the Sixers. They would put an enormous amount of pressure on them playing on their home floor. The “Master of Panic” would have the Magic players nervous as ever in a win or go home game.
One thing I want to point out. The whole entire season we lost off of buzzer beater after buzzer beater. In three games against a playoff-ready, 57 win team, we have won on last second shots in two of them.
Did all of those close nail biting games help us in the long run? Did they give us the confidence and experience needed to beat a team like the Magic?
I think so.
Dannie, with Deleo stating Mc Kie in the role of defensive coach I have a question; Do you think they were trying to play a sort of matchup zone [Chaney] earlier in the year and the players didn!t grasp it so now they are going more conventional? It seems like they are playing a totally different way.
guest– I think these close games have helped the Sixers and they are learning to play better in close games (and OTs 3-0, all on the road and Miller was huge in all three of them). This is similar to the Blazers, where they once struggled and struggled in close games, then they later learned and are one of the best teams in rallying over huge deficits and playing in close games. Maybe the Sixers will develop that razor sharp edge next season or maybe in these playoffs.
Also, I found tickets for Game 4 and I am going to the nosebleed section. It was tough to find tickets, but that is a great sign for the Sixers. We need 20,000+ breathin’ down on the Magic’s neck.
I don’t know who will be attending, but I hope I do meet you guys if possible. But LET’S GO SIXERS!!!
Guest – We can agree to disagree then. But you certainly can’t compare a lead regardless how big in game 3 with the series tied at 1-1 with 3-1 series lead in game 5 which is what I am talking about. I won’t get into the historical numbers yet because it too early. But the odds are favorable and I just haven’t seen enough from the Magic to suggest they have enough toughness to pull themselves out of a hole like that.
At that point I think it would take a Sixers collapse (which of course is possible) but I wouldn’t think likely. They are playing good, better basketball. And I would have to give the coaching edge to Dileo so far in the series.
Sixers have only been outscored by 57-48 from 3-point land in the three games, compared to 99-33 in three regular-season losses to Magic.
Strategy of defending Howard 1-on-1 seems to be working: Howard went 12-for-16 in Game 3, with other starters 15-for-47.
FYI: Young said he had 30 texts congratulating him for the winning shot when he woke up this morning.
Close wins help so long as you learn from them. Watch the tape see where plays could have been made and get better the next time. We could be seeing that now. Aside for Iguodala’s constant missed free throws this team has been better late in close games.
Suede – I wish I could tell you what the issues was with the perimeter defense up until this point. My gut always leads me to desire to play it above all. They are working harder at it and at least to me that is clearly visible. You can talk all the strategy in the world if guys aren’t putting in the effort it’s all for naught.
I didn’t mention it in my post but I think it’s pretty clear we are much better defensively when Sam is on the floor. He blocked and changed some shots late. And I think he is better suited for defending Howard than Theo.
Theo tries to body Howard and use strength. Howard is bigger and stronger and I don’t think that works all that much. I think beating him to spots with quickness and making the catch much tougher bother Howard more than anything else. Sam is better at that.
If you guys are looking for some good karma, it was stated on E.S.P.N. that in best of 7 series the team that wins game 3 wins 76% of the time, yes 76 as in our 76ers!!!
Guys, I have seen so many times through out this series, when Theo is on the floor… He helps out on drives and leads the glass WIDE open for Howard to get a put back dunk. Now I know sometimes you have to help out when the other player is driving to the basket, but some times Theo does nothing to effect the shot and he still leaves a massive throw down waiting to happen on the rebound. If Theo is not altering the shot, then he needs to start staying on Howard. I think Sammy has done a wonderful job of making Howard catch the ball away from the basket as Dannie pointed out.
Guest - I agree and I think Sam is a quicker leaper. So when he contests the shot he usually isn’t totally out of the play and often time can get a hand on a rebound or another quick jump to contest the second shot if it’s offensive rebounded.
Sam stinks but he is better for us than Theo at his current age.
I think it was Miller, who said it yesterday,on game day the Sixers players need to come to the game hungry, and play hungry the whole game. It”s going to take a complete team effort, starting with Dileo, making a plan, and working the plan. He needs to adjust and continue the right subbing, we have seen that we have the tools. Dileo has to stay proactive,use the guys that are playing there guts out and players that are off, need to be put on the bench, only play the guys who are playing there balls off. Magic is going to play there best game Sun. we need to be ready, Sixers in six, GO SIXERS
Theo is used to his 4 [T.Hill] having his back and Elton should be there for Sam, Jason, and hopefully Theo next year. In a year or two Marreese may actually learn that part of the game.
Dannie: agree with everything you said. as well as sixers have played, magic not showing up at all is just as much a reason for 3-1 lead.
Howard (the MVP of this series so far) calling out his team? … again I dont think you can just turn it on like that.
was it Rob that mentioned that the Magic bench is weak; that is really killing them this series. ours may not put up that many points but Anthony Johnson aside, they dont get anything from ‘em.
tomorrow could be it, all the games this series have been close. Lets put our faith in the Andres to come through in crunch time.
Thad is due for a breakout game. Think someone whacked him on his head yesterday. he wasnt right, couldnt even catch the ball and hold on to it.
Game 4: it ends here ….GO SIXERS!!
Andre Miller hit the nail on the head when he was said in response to the question, “What switch can the Magic flip?” like the Pistons flipped a switch after game 3 last year. Miller said said, “three-point shooting.” Yes. If only Miller himself could do something about that. But he’s right. The Sixers have stepped up the defensive intensity in both wins and the uneasiest feelings during game 3 came in late 3rd quarter, early 4th, when the Magic suddenly were getting open for 3-point attempts. Philly needs to maintain its toughness in the middle but allow no open 3′s, at all. No failed switches, like the ugly one Lou had in the second half. No relaxed defense. Dannie is right: the Sixers must stay inside of the bubble on every defensive encounter, and all things being as they have, Philly should win game 4.
Would love to see Thad parlay his game-winner into a very productive and creative offensive day. Go Sixers!!
Dannie to answer your question from the other day, while some might not view Thad as a future superstar to me it is obvious that he will be a future superstar. So in theory I am defending a superstar.
“Sam stinks but he is better for us than Theo at his current age” Dannie dare I ask you again the Sam question again?
lol, lets win this game!
I am going to the game today and will be wearing my Iggy jersey for the first time, I hope I don!t jinx him but I actually feel proud to wear it now, whatever that means.
Win tonight and the Sixers win the series; lose tonight and it’s going to be tough.
Guys, who should we be pulling for in this double overtime thriller between the Bulls and Celtics. That is who we play if we manage to get past the Magic. It’s a tough match-up either way.
Guest – My girlfriend just asked me the same question. I said Celtics. I think with all the injuries it’s questionable which team is better right now. But I want 76ers-Celtics rivalry to start being reborn. It’s best for the game in my opinion and maybe we can pull some of those old fans back into Sixers mix.
Well said Dannie. It’s tough either way with Rondo or Rose. What a great series it has been though between those two teams.