This is kind of a big game. The Sixers need to keep winning not only in an attempt to move up the standings but also to maintain where they are now (6th). A win tonight moves them only a half game behind the Heat (tied in the all-important loss column). They are only a game and a half up on Detroit with another head-to-head match up to come this weekend.
Boston just shut down KG so there is a good chance they could slide a bit and finish with the 3rd seed. I think I’d still rather play the Hawks than Boston with a banged up KG in the playoffs so the 5th spot still needs the be the prize. The question is are the Sixers willing to do whatever it takes to get there? The last couple games don’t suggest so. But a nice 3-game home stand may be just what the doctor ordered to change that.
The next three games are really important because the 5 of the remaining 7 are on the road and 5 of 7 are against playoff (or on the brink) teams. Coasting right now is not an option.
Atlanta on the other hand is in that middle area where they already have clinched a playoff spot and while not mathematically locked into the 4th seed, with 10 or less games remaining and a 4-game cushion, it would take a rather large collapse on their part and a near perfect run from another team for them to even fall back to 5th place in the East.
With that said they know the Sixers very well could end up being their first round match up and sending a message should certainly be on their mind, as well as the Sixers’. We will see who proves to be the bigger dog tonight.
Random Pregame Thoughts
- If Dalembert doesn’t play, Horford’s offensive and rebounding could be the difference in the game.
- Really looking forward to the Joe Johnson vs. Iguodala match up. And that is exactly what the match up should be. I think Willie Green gives up a bit too much size and strength in this one and would be better suited defending Bibby with Miller defending Maurice Evans.
- When Atlanta puts Marvin Williams in at the three with Johnson still at the shooting guard the match ups are much worse for the Sixers.
I will be down at the game (Section 118, Row 16 seats 1 & 2). My first Sixers game in a while.
Sixers vs. Hawks Game Notes – when I get home
Big win in a rather boring game. My god the Wachovia center was straight up dead for most of the game. For one I think something was up with the sound in the beginning because they didn’t play any music when the Sixers go the ball and it was dead silent in there for a while to start the game. Then there was a stretch in the third quarter when Atlanta made their run and it was like the gym was empty. Unbelievable. Granted the game was pretty boring (aside from the two ridiculous dunks the Hawks had) but still. The fans weren’t in the game all that much tonight.
Was it me or did it seem like both teams lacked energy and the Hawks pretty much were sleep walking out there. Nothing they did (aside from Josh Smith) had any explosiveness to it. Just kind of went through the motions and if not for them making a few shots in the 3rd this would have been at least a 20-point blowout.
There was a huge gasp when everyone saw Thad laying on the ground. X-rays are negative and I think he will be fine. Just sucks it happened with only 9 games left in the season. That hurts in a big way for 3 reasons.
- He was playing his best basketball and could really set him back if he doesn’t have confidence in his movement.
- The Sixers really need to keep winning. Detroit and Chicago lost tonight to help us out.
- It’s not good going into the playoffs coming off an injury. Especially one that could bother mobility. It’s the perfect way to start off slow in a series, something the Sixers can’t afford.
Quick Post Game Thoughts
- Speights got some minutes with Thad going down and did a nice job offensively but his board work is really a concern for me.
- Speaking of rebounding this should be a serious concern right now. When Sam isn’t dominating the boards the Sixers usually lose that battle. They need to figure out a way to get him on track going into the playoffs.
- Andre Miller had a bit more bounce in his step tonight and finished with a strong floor game – 18 points, 10 assists, 4 boards, 2 steals and only 1 turnovers.
- Iguodala 8 assists only 1 turnover and 19 points. Solid game.
- Speaking of turnovers the Sixers only had 7 combined for the game while the Hawks were extremely sloppy. Many of their 17 turnovers were completely unforced. I’ll take it.
- Defensively the Sixers really just took the ball out of Joe Johnson’s hands. He finished the game with only 9 attempts. I will say he really looked passive for much of the game. Is it the Sixers defense or what but some of the better perimeter players haven’t had big games against us (Kobe, Wade, Johnson).
- 27 assists on 37 made field goals. Nice passing and team offense tonight.
- Nice to see Willie shoot the ball well. He got his quick first and 3rd quarter points.
- Lou still stinks. When Flip picked his pocket then proceeded to bang on his head the crowd went crazy. Flip went to Strawberry Mansion so he is a local guy who had many supporters tonight.
Let’s just hope the Sixers DO NOT overlook the Bucks on Thursday in prep for Detroit and A.I. in the building
Next Game: Thursday against the Bucks
I’d like to see Speights re-emerge from his funk at some point. They need another offensive weapon- esp on the 2nd team. Especially if they end up matched against a team that is big up front like Boston.
With Speights not giving them much they’ve turned more to Evans, which is a losing proposition. Fortunately, next year PF will be a position of depth and strength- but for the remainder of this year they need someone to step up.
Tk76, if Sammy doesn!t go tonight a Horford/Spieghts duel at the 5 would be interesting but they will probably go with Theo.
Speights, in fact, came through in the second meeting against the Hawks with some great 4th quarter plays.
Our bench could be the difference in this game (and perhaps, this potential playoff series)!!
GO SIXERS!!!
Dalembert is in the starting lineup
Looks like I got my wish from post 42 of teh last thread. Also thank goodness that Thad didn’t break anything.
Post #42
I have to say it’s fair, although I don’t want to part with Speights. The sixers have done a horrible job developing this kid. They NEVER post him up, or when he does post up they don’t throw it in. That’s why whenever he gets the ball on the perimeter he chucks it up. He has a good hook shot with both hands, its just a shame that he isn’t given the opportunity to show it off.
Greek: good point bout Speights. full repertoire on display today.
on game: can’t keep watching games like this. Guess the Hawks are bent on just standing pat till playoffs begin. Little energy from both teams, moreso the Hawks. Thank goodness we have Iguodala. Thad out, Kept the intensity and energy till his teammates caught up later and pulled away from Hawks who crumbled like cheap paper. Defense was ok though.
Wonder if Young will miss Thursday’s game? most likely. Jump shooting suffers when he leaves the floor.
ohh yeah one more thing; ups to the Hawks blog for being so on point: Mike Bibby is tops in league worst defenders. Even worse he seems to have lost his legs completely. Yup he’s gonna be available this year!
That is what I call, “The Agony of Victory”!
This is a game and a statement game we wanted to win–we did!
However, I hope it doesn’t come at a big expense with Thaddeus Young. But one door closes and another one opens (maybe more open)!
-Speights might be the first guy to answer the door. Plus, it is great to see him score more inside and smile once again.
-Theo Ratliff is an INCREDIBLE pro and we need to resign him for another 1 year deal. He made an instant impact that can’t be defined in a box score.
Also, we are seeing a more assertive Andre Iguodala. That is great on both ends of the floor.
Josh Smith may be having his way, but if Thad were playing, it would have been tough for him. Anyway, it was part of the plan to put him on a lone island. The Sixers did a great job of taking their great backcourt out of their game!
Also, I hope we get to see more Donyell Marshall and hopefully Kareem Rush, now that Thad is hurt. I just hope the timetable is short and he can come back effectively. If not, we have depth!
GO SIXERS!
atlanta looked terrible for 3/4 of the game. i would not take much from this victory other than the way they responded after atlanta made their run. they showed poise and grit in the 4th quarter. theo might have been mvp of the night. iguodala did a great job on johnson too.
The only time the Hawks get excited and play with energy is whenever they play the Celtics. Next year, I wouldn’t be surprised if they get dethroned from that 4th seed!
Also, I’m no doctor, but here are some details on sprained ankles:
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/anklesprain.htm
I’ve worse ankle injuries during a game, but since Young is a young player, it should work to his advantage. But next season assuming we resign Miller, the Sixers will be a dangerous team that will be that 4th seed, hopefully with a healthier Brand and Smith.
Also, Josh Smith is a dirty, immature punk and was fortunate to have Evans guard him instead of Thaddeus. He nearly clotheslined Iggy. A Sixers-Hawks playoff series WILL be very interested and something the NBA as a whole would love! Thaddeus would continue outplaying the entire Hawks team. Again, thank you Mark Price.
Josh Smith postgame quotes
On the turnovers in the first-half:
It wasn’t that big. We just made careless mistakes in the first quarter. We still came back later in the game and gave ourselves he opportunity to win the game. We just couldn’t get stops and stop them from getting second-chance points in the game. It kind of hurt us.
On his performance tonight:
It was just a game where I was feeling it. I didn’t force anything and let it come to me. Players have games like this in the league and this was just my night.
All in all, he had a great game, but I think the Sixers are better off with Elton Brand when healthy!
Also, what makes Tony DiLeo different from Mo Cheeks are his substitution patterns and his strategic substitutions. Putting Ratliff in the 4th was a brilliant move and a complete game changer that was hard to necessarily describe on a box score.
GO SIXERS!! THE BUCKS STOP HERE WITH A SIXERS VICTORY!!
I thought Iggy did a good job on Joe Johnson, his shooting style looks better to me. Reggie was a animal, guys were landing on the floor all over the place and Reggie was always close by. Andre Miller was solid. Theo and Speights played good together. Theo was barking at Speights were to be positioned,and Speights responed well. Theo played really Big tonight. Sammy”s was a big dumb __ck, and Lou is hurting us. I hope Thad can bounce back from this injury, we need him
hmmm interesting reaction you had to Thad’s injury, Dannie. mine was the complete opposite. the look on his face made me cringe. i came right out and told anyone in my section who would listen that it was a season ending injury. i have come to expect the worst whenever i see a philadelphia athlete injure himself in person. i heard the x-ray was negative but i bet he will miss considerable time. i pray to God i am wrong.
oh man. brian just posted this over at the depressed fan:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/deep-sixer/How_Bad_is_Youngs_Ankle_.html
check out the quote from andre miller: “”He’ll probably be out a couple of weeks. Hopefully, he’ll be back by the first game of the playoffs. He had to be helped off, he couldn’t put any weight on it. He needs to get that taken care of and not try to come back too early.”
Guest: (responding to your rebuttle to my Iguodala comment from the last Sixers thread):
I’ve actually always been a staunch Iguodala defender. I certainly have criticisms about his game, but I’ve always thought trading him would be a huge mistake, love the versatility of his offensive game, and the defense he used to play (several years ago, and occasionally now). So I’m certainly no Iguodala hater…I like his game a lot.
But his “4th quarter clutch” stat is one of the most misleading stats in the NBA. Why? Because by WATCHING what he does, the KIND of shots he takes, and HOW he goes about taking them, should be enough to make most basketball fans want to punch holes in the wall. I have lost count of the amount of times Iguodala has had the ball in his hands in late game, important situations.
What does he do? An isolation play is ran…where possibly one player sets a pick, usually none. Iguodala drives the ball to the lane, in traffic, is usually double teamed when the defense properly rotates, and because the rest of our team has no @!#$ing idea how to move without the ball, Iguodala forces some crazy, wild turnaround jumpshot that more often then not clangs off the rim.
Is THIS clutch basketball? I think not. He is NOT a 3 point shooter. So yes, when he makes a crazy, wild 3 at the end of a game, I would most definitely consider this more lucky then not. I do not give him credit for having the “balls” to shoot…when he has been penciled in as our only legit option and “go to guy” at the end of the games.
One thing I won’t argue is his raise of play in the 4th quarter…obviously he scores more, and that’s great. But you tell me…at the end of the game, with the shot clock running down, you honestly want Iguodala with the ball in his hands, “creating” (aka: being forced by good defenders to shoot an off balance jumpshot…when you are not a good jumpshooter) a shot to win or lose the game? Just my opinion, but anyone that looks forward to that type of player being “the” option at the end of the game, is crazy.
However, I do put some blame on the coaches as well for a horrible lack of creativity in drawing up plays that involve the whole team…and I put blame on the team for having a collective terrible bball IQ of not reading on the fly offensive situations and learning to space themselves properly and react when a guy like Iguodala drives.
vs. Hawks: HUGE HUGE HUGE win tonight…that was absolutely awesome. If we miraculously land the #5 seed, we have a legit shot of making the 2nd round.
Rob: Absolutely agree with Ratliff. I’m shocked…SHOCKED… disappointed, surprised, and any number of other adjectives…that he does not readily receive 15 mpg on this squad. Ratliff is one of the most underrated veteran bigs in this league…just a true pro, solid in all areas on the low block, knows his limits (Sammy may never learn this), and caters to his strengths.
DaveT – obviously, we’re not watching the same games. I compiled these stats for Dannie at the end of the last post, which you may not have seen. Since January, in the last 2:30 of games where the margin has been 4 or less (my definition of crunchtime), Iguodala is 7 of 13 on jump shots, 2 of 5 on 3’s, 15 of 24 FG’s overall, 18 of 24 FT’s, 50 points, 6 assists, 0 turnovers. By my count, 30 out of 42 successful possessions. Those stats accumulated over 20 close games where the Sixers have gone 11-9. Now, you may say (as Dannie does) that that isn’t a significant enough sample size, but there’s no way you can describe his crunchtime play over that time period in the way that you do. Over the last three months, there’s no one I’d rather see with the ball in his hands than Iguodala.
Bibby: If the 3 ain’t droppin’ it’s the Hawks he’s stoppin’; father Henry still gets past him in driveway; Willie “The Blanket” Green smothered his initiative from jump ball; is a different player with purple headband & 15 fewer lbs.
JJ: Good scorer, not much of a penetrator; Iggy, when motivated, can handle his type – - muscle & guile match, doesn’t have to worry about “the breeze.”
Smith: Think he may’ve had Stefanski’s summer opt-out in mind? Too bad Ed chose the nice guy from Peekskill/Durham/losing NBA squads.
Murray: An NBA survivor; strong facial on Wrong Way Loooooou.
Woodson: Decent shooter in his day, a long way from Wooden as coach.
Sixers win by default; 2nd straight ”dead” game at Wachovia Center.
Thought of going; glad I didn’t waste my money.
Dave T: you’re right about one thing; usually the shots Iguodala takes at the end of games are bad, forced shots… usually, but they are becoming more decent. Point is that the team is getting some sense and no longer doing that anymore. The last shot doesnt matter anyway, its usually a product of luck for ALL players. like a law of averages. Hitting that last shot is not what makes clutch play anyway. Its getting a basket when the team really needs it. The shot clock just glorifies stuff like that for ESPN highlights.
bright spot: Sixers wont need Thad for the Bucks game, they CAN (not will) win without him. i expect a game similar to yesterday’s. No defense by Bucks and lots of up and down play. Iguodala should fluorish. Dalembert if healthy should have a field day too. Lou should drive at will.
Detroit is another case; start Speights, bring Marhsall off the bench. We need jumpshooting!
jkay - I appreciate your defending me earlier, but I would even dispute your characterization that Iguodala “usually” takes bad or forced shots at the ends of games. There aren’t that many such games over the course of the season, so let’s look at the last several. Criterion is that the score is tied or Sixers are behind 1 or 2 with the ball, 25 seconds or less. Mavs 1/19, scored on a lay-up to tie at 0:08. Celtics 2/3, scored go-ahead jumper at 0:06. Grizzlies 2/11, scored go-ahead runner at 0:25. Nets 2/23, penetrated, drew foul, scored 1 go-ahead free throw at 0:01. Magic 2/28, missed jumper at 0:22. Bulls 3/13, penetrated, got fouled, scored 1 go-ahead free throw at 0:22. Lakers 3/17, scored game-winner at 0:00. Blazers 3/23, penetrated, got fouled, scored 2 free throws to tie. So in 8 games, he came through with points 7 times, and I would argue that none of those shots were forced (not even the miss against the Magic, which was a clean look that he missed). If Im forgetting any recent games, let me know. I would certainly agree that earlier in his career (including earlier this season), he wouldn’t always get good shots in game-ending situations, but I don’t think that’s the case now. It’s been three solid months of excellent play at the ends of games.
I agree with Dannie about the Wachovia Center crowd. For the last three games there is no chants or music in play to get the crowd involved. In my opinion this is what the home court advantage is all about. I am not sure why they stopped this but if you look around the league every other team does this and some in a big way. This might be a small thing but then again anything to get the crowd involved is good.
Guest: you are citing particular games. I just recall from memory that a lot of his shots have been forced in the sense that he got double teamed and had to chuck up a very difficult shot like Dave T said. our team ball movement and spacing is so poor that usually he ends up with the ball usually at the top of the key, with few seconds left on the clock. Like I said situation is improving. Notice all those games you cite are recent games.
Guest, You can have Iggy & ball at game’s end, I’ll take Artest, Kobe, Prince, Wade, Bowen or Bell defending & the result.
It’s not about music or cheap sound effects, it’s about overall team effort and demonstrated skills. My brother left at halftime of the Charlotte game due to a lack of player focus and a horrendous display of basketball from Sixers, feeling ripped off in a big way as a consumer. The advertised “energy” product is on the floor. Authentic applause is a wonderful thing. Earn it, and it will come.
jkay - we can agree the situation is improving. Maybe it’s just semantics, but I wouldn’t say something “usually” happens when it hasn’t happened the last 8 times. Usually is > 50%. Even if you took the results over the full season, the percentage of forced shots at games’ end would be less than that.
jjg - your dislike of Iguodala is well-noted. I wasn’t saying that Iguodala will come through every time, just that he has been coming through at an excellent rate recently, and certainly more than most of you on the site think he does.
Guest, While Iggy’s game is an acquired taste that I haven’t yet acquired, I’m not blind to the robust nature of his ambition or the incremental advances of his end-game play. Some improvement shown, not a quantum leap though.
Looks like Thad is out for the regular season. Implications regarding the lineup:
* Who’s gonna take his place in the starting lineup? I’d love to see Donyell get it! No Reggie, please – we already saw that. Both belong on the bench, but Marshall starting would just be more fun, you have to admit!
* Kareem Rush gets some playing time, right? No way Lou gets more playing time because of this, right Tony? If you decided to go with small Nellieball lineups, Rush would be perfect for that! Reinvent the team before the playoffs starts and throw off whoever you’re gonna face – use your imagination here! It’s not like you have to carefully tinker with this team because of their excellent team chemistry…
’86 Rockets analog: Marshall (Olajuwon), Dalembert (Sampson), Speights (McCray), Ratliff (Peterson), Iguodala (Lloyd), Miller (Lucas),
Green (Reid), Ivey (Leavell) … instead of “Twin Towers” it’s the “Roosevelt Boulevardiers”
Guest: I’m not denying that lately Iguodala hasn’t produced points at the end of games…no one can. He’s done a good job of getting the job done lately. But this is, what, his 5th or 6th year? Him stepping up in this manner for 8-10 games, in my eyes, doesn’t mean a whole lot. Nice to see it happen…if he does it for a WHOLE YEAR…then I’ll be impressed. Our whole team is predicated around guys that do well in spurts, then phase and burnout, returning to their old habits. I’d far rather see Iguodala return to his defensive prowess then be the 4th quarter end of game guy he’s been lately.
Let me give you this scenario: There is no one on the court. Iguodala is alone. He has the ball at the top of the 3 point line, and takes two dribbles in at the free throw line, to shoot a jumper. Do you have confidence that this shot is going in? With no defender on him? I don’t. Why? He’s not a shooter. Thus I want Iguodala driving CREATING plays for others…not taking it himself, unless it is slashing to the hoop.
I mention this because the majority of late game situations he’s put in the defense rotates, requires him to shoot not just a jumpshot, but one that isn’t a good shot. IMO, not a high % shot, and eventually the laws of averages will equal out again over time. I’m as excited as anyone he nailed that 3 against the Lakers…but this doesn’t prove to me, “Oh WOW…clutch Iguodala!” this says, “Good for you…you took and a hit a ballsy shot. And got lucky, because usually 3 point shots for you are 2-7 for games”.
Young to miss two to three weeks with sprained ankle and bone bruise. That’s the rest oof the regular season and 1-3 games in playoffs.
Just because X-rays were negative with Thad doesn’t mean anything. Severe sprains can be worse than breaks. Ligaments and tendons tend not to heal as well as bones, and if they just stretch and don’t tear there isn’t much to be done. I turned my ankle horribly in Texas 3 years ago, had a minor fracture but killed everything else in my foot, to this day I some time have trouble walking without pain.
Hopefully it isn’t as bad as it looked. Why did they have to show the replay 50 times? Anyone who has spun a foot that bad cringes when they see that, I would of rather seen someone hit by a train.
Thanks for the update Tom.
Best of luck and condolences.
fuck
Ryan F. I was thinking the same thing. Comcast did that when Brand injured his shoulder. Once or twice ok, but as often as they showed it was borderline sadistic. LMAO. Too bad, he’s going to be missed a great deal. Where do they find 20 points from? That’s going to be tuff. No Brand and now no Thad. I’m hoping now for the best possible match up playoff wise. I just hope Thad’s youth and modern medical practice helps him heal quickly and he gets back soon. He’s got me thinking of purchasing a #21 jersey. That’s big.
I agree with Mike in post 33, But I disagree with Mike’s thinking that Dre miller is an underrated defender.
Does this mean that Reggie will be starting? God help us, plays SPEIGHTS more you idiots.
Thanks, Ryan. Think Evans will start, with Speights playing second and fourth quarters and Ratliff also in mix.
Replace Thad with players capable of getting his 20 ppg. . Give Marshall, Marreese and Kareem some run, pleaseeeeee.