That just happened.

by Jordan Sams on Jan 31, 2009 7:43 PM PST in Recaps Comment 3 comments

I honestly don't know what to say. The Sixers seemed to be cruising to an easy victory until the fourth quarter. That's where the Sixers dropped a whopping 8 points, going 2-22 from the field. On top of it, they missed their last 18 shots!

If we've learned anything this season, it's that the Sixers are going to play in some ugly games. They'll also rip you heart out occasionally, and that's exactly what they did tonight. There's just something about the Nets that brings out the worst in everyone.

34% shooting isn't going to cut it in many games. And scoring 25 points in the entire second half usually leads to a loss. The best thing the Sixers can do is, put this game behind them, enjoy the SuperBowl and get back to work on Tuesday when the champs come to town. Anything less than their best and they're going to get blown out by the Celtics.

I'm going to skip the "likes" and "dislikes" for this game because every Sixer would probably end up on the dislike list and I, like the Sixers should, want to erase every part of this game from my memory and move on.

On thing that needs to be mentioned before I close my laptop and flash myself with my trusty Men in Black neuralyzer. That thing is Brook Lopez. He was the difference tonight. I can't believe I'm saying this about a 7-footer, but he actually plays bigger than he is. Yao Ming should take note. He had 24 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks and about 15 shot alters tonight. It's also pretty hilarious that he looks and talks like Andre the Giant.

With the loss, the Sixers move back to .500 at 23-23.

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Need to Upgrade

What you witnessed last night was a team with serious offensive deficiencies. When they are able to get out and run they can overmatch teams with athleticism. But if they are forced to slow the game down and play in a half court set they are a bottom-tier team. Elton Brand was brought on to the this team to cure that ill. But to place the blame squarely on his shoulders would be foolhardy. Like the rest of his teammates, Brand struggled mightily last night with his shot. He could not buy a bucket. However, the ineffective play at the offensive end of the floor is not a sole product of Brand. He is surrounded by one-dimensional players that are easy to defend. Andre Miller can’t shoot beyond 18 feet so why guard him beyond the three-point line? Same goes for Iguodala. Thaddeus Young has superior athletic ability but struggles to create his own shot in space. Dalembert looks lost every time he steps on the floor.

For the Sixers to cure there offensive troubles they need to look beyond Elton Brand and consider the surrounding personnel. Only in upgrade in the supporting cast will create results.

Chris Iafolla http://heardinthecheapseats.com/

by Chris Iafolla on Feb 1, 2009 7:03 AM PST reply actions

For lack of a better term, the team has a bunch of rhythm shooters- which most NBA player are. That causes problems when the team becomes disjointed and the offense looses its flow. If they had players where certain shots are automatic, then it would be a bit easier to come out of a cold spell.

Eventually, they should have players can do this. Speights and his baseline jumper, Thad with a jump hook, Brand with a foul line jumper. All these players should improve with some tie or improved health. Of course, adding a role player or pg with a deadeye jumper would not hurt either.

http://www.phillyarena.com - Philly sports forum/blog

by tk76 on Feb 1, 2009 8:49 AM PST reply actions

i'm just hoping

they can be like an mlb closer and have an extremely short memory… sixers have been playing too well lately that they shouldn’t get caught up in the loss… although it is a horrible (and quite embarassing) defeat it still is only one game and we just gotta hope they come out strong for the celtics… i still believE! GO SIXERS!

by Tanner Steidel on Feb 1, 2009 9:32 AM PST reply actions