Comments on: Sixers Beat Wizards in Unimpressive Fashion

By: jjg

jjg — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:57:09 +0000

Sam Dalembert is a profile in courage, undeterred by writhing-in-pain circumstance to step to the fore in defiance of the enemy, in protection of his brothers in arms, regardless of teeth-gnashing pain and personal sacrifice. What a man! Please spread the news further. This story needs to be told.

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:24:36 +0000

Dalembert said it was important to him to extend his consecutive game streak to 236, which is the fifth-longest in the league (Andre Miller is No. 1 at 494). “It’s something I wanted to do so bad for myself,” he said.

He also said he used his hyperbaric chamber to help keep the swelling down.

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:54:21 +0000

Hard to believe Dalembert is playing and starting. He said he thought it was broken when it happened, with the way it hurt and swelled up right away.

Rush is de-activated for tonight’s game.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:09:51 +0000

Ryan F– I wouldn’t overlook the notion that the Sixers didn’t care that Dalembert was hurt. They are just trying to be professional and focus on the game. They sure are concerned about him. Despite all the silly things Dalembert does, he truly is a difference maker for this team defensively. He is one of our best one-on-one defenders and the tallest, lankiest shotblocker out there that teams would love to have, including a team like San Antonio. Dalembert just needs guidance and confidence. Perhaps, Tony DiLeo could be that coach who can help him. After all, he did contribute in drafting him. Now for the Sixers, they are going to have to fill the void defensively with team defense. Again, our depth will be tested. And boy are we a deep team, especially in the frontcourt. Enter Theo Ratliff. Perhaps we could see Donyell Marshall, who is a SF/PF, who could create matchup problems with his range if DiLeo wants to be real creative with the rotations.

GO SIXERS!!

By: Morty

Morty — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:55:24 +0000

Didn’t see much of the game, but I did see Brand making the tough shots that historically he makes, and he was brought to Phila. to make. Add in 4 more blocks, and consider me very encouraged.

By: tk76

tk76 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:30:56 +0000

It will be interesting to see how the team does without Sam for a bit. I want to see Brand/Speights more. Hopefully those two can generate some chemistry, as they should be the starting frontcourt eventually.

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:26:38 +0000

I think Brand’s minutes need to be cut a bit from the 35.5 he was averaging before he got hurt against the Bucks. For him to be more effective at the faster pace the Sixers are playing, it’d be better if he was at 30 minutes. Even if Dalembert is out, Brand, Ratliff and Speights should be able to handle the center position and Young can continue playing a lot at the “four” spot.

By: bski

bski — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:29:33 +0000

One positive is that 80 mil is being just as assertive (and efficient) with Brand on the floor as he was without him. He is also stepping up in the 4th quarter lately instead of disappearing.

By: Chris Iafolla

Chris Iafolla — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:15:27 +0000

That was an ugly win. It will be interesting to see how the lineup responds to the change at the center position. With Dalembert out, DiLeo has indicated that Brand will serve as the starting cetner. It looks like starting tonight we will see Brand start to see extended minutes. His last two games have been encouraging and his defense has been stout.

The Sixers second unit clearly had a letdown tonight once the 15-point lead was established. I know a blowout would be preferable but the blueprint is to beat the teams you are supposed to beat. They were able to do that last night and get one game above .500. Hopefully tonight against the Nets the team will creep two games above that elusive mark.

By: Philadelphia Sixers Take Down Washington Wizards In Ugly Win | Heard in the Cheap Seats

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:08:42 +0000

[...] Beat the teams you are supposed to beat and find a way to win a few against those people expect you to lose. That’s the blueprint every team draws up when the season starts. In November, the Sixers had a hard team beating anyone and would almost certainly have found a way to squander yesterday’s game against the Washington Wizards. [...]