Can the Sixers avoid a letdown?
by jsams on Apr 21, 2009 5:51 PM PDT
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Stop me if this sounds familiar. The Sixers go into the playoffs as huge underdogs. They end up shocking the world by stealing game one on the road. In the days following, all the "experts"-- including the ones who said they wouldn't win a single game -- said their opponent gave the game away and they still had no chance.
Yeah, in case you haven't noticed, this year's scenario is exactly the same as last year's. Or is it? Simply glancing at the two series, one would think that a game two loss for the Sixers is inevitable, but let me tell you why I think this year will be different.
Luck Factor
Many believe the Sixers were lucky to win game one. Oh really? Were the Sixers lucky that Dwight Howard shot 11-13 from the field and 9-12 from the line? Were the Sixers lucky that Dwight dropped 31 and 16? Were the Sixers lucky that the Magic shot 49 percent from the field? No, no, and no.
Last year the Pistons shot 39 percent. Rip Hamilton was 5-17 from the field, Rasheed Wallace was 9-21, Chauncey Billups was 3-9, and Tay Prince was 5-13. They only had only one over-achiever in Jason Maxiell. The Magic on the other hand, received monster performances from Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee.
The Sixers were lucky last year: fact. The Sixers were lucky on Sunday: fiction.
Experience
Last year's Pistons were coming off four-straight conference finals and a championship. This year's Magic have won only one more playoff series than the Sixers in the past 5 years.
Last year was Andre Iguodala's first playoff series as "the man" and Thaddeus and Lou's first real playoff experience.
It's safe to say -- especially after watching game one -- Iggy, Lou and Thad are all different players. If you've watched any Sixers games this season you know Thaddeus "baby legs" Young has improved his offensive skills greatly, you know Andre Iguodala's jewels have doubled in size, and you know Lou Williams can score consistently -- none of which were true last season.
Last year: Sixers experience < Pistons experience.
This year: Sixers experience = Magic experience.
New additions
Against the Pistons, the Sixers relied on the likes of Reggie Evans, Jason Smith and Rodney Carney to play quality minutes. This year Reggie's minutes have decreased significantly (Thank God) and the Smith/Carney combo has been replaced by the veteran trio of Donny-Ice, Theophilus Ratliff and Royal Ivey. The bench has been upgraded wouldn't you say?
Evans/Smith/Carney <<<< Marshall/Theo/Ivey.
I haven't even mentioned the most exciting new addition -- Marreese Speights. Mark my words, M16 will make a huge difference in one game this series. He's the ultimate X-Factor.
Bottom Line: Are the Sixers immune to a game two letdown? No. But do I feel more confident going into this game two than last year's? Yes. I think the first quarter is going to ultimately determine the outcome.
Less than 24 hours away from game two. Get pumped!
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Great points and well written
Nice job
I dont know how or when it happened, but Iggy seems like he knows hes going to make THE shot as THE guy every single time it comes up. Hes done it a lot this season, a couple of the times when we suffered a buzzer beater it was overshadowed, and hes done it even more at the end of quarters.
One of the biggest differences to me isnt the year of experience gained or the changes. Rather, its just the matchup. AI2 wouldnt have made that shot or at least had that game against the Pistons, either in 2008 or in 2009. Why? Tayshaun Prince. He will always get the better of Iguodala and the Sixers.
by jmorcate on Apr 21, 2009 6:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not this Iggy.
Do you remember the clincher? Iggy owned Prince and the Pistons.
As a matter of fact Iggy averaged 24 points on 57 percent shooting against Detroit this year.
I agree with you about his star quality. I’ll have to look back and figure out exactly when he flipped the switch, because these shots were happening even before the Lakers game.
by jsams on Apr 21, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't agree more
The Magic don’t have anyone who can guard Iguodala. Courtney Lee isn’t going to be that good for the rest of the series. And I think you’re are correct about having quality guys off the bench in Ratliff and Marshall being a difference.
by phillynyc on Apr 21, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When was that game?
The game he had all those buzzer beaters this year, like one after every quarter. I can’t remember who they were playing against, but he was ballin. I think that game was the start of the new Iggy.
by mopey on Apr 22, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember that.
I’ll have to look it up.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
January 16th verse the Spurs is one.
He had one at the end of the 1st and 2nd. There was one however in another game I remember, where he had to jump up to grab the kick out pass and just launched the shot while he was up in the air. That one wasn’t from the Spurs game though.
by mopey on Apr 22, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Game 1's win
reminded me more of the 2001 Finals. We won the first game in LA to much amazement. Then, we of course lost the next four. We can’t let that happen in this series.
by chillicothe20 on Apr 21, 2009 7:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why does it feel like six years ago that game one was played? I NEED ME SOME SIXERS BASKETBALL.
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on Apr 21, 2009 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why would they write this?
“Wednesday’s schedule. Hawks against the Heat, Nuggets against the Hornets, and Magic against themselves. The 76ers will be on the court as well, but Orlando vs. Orlando has become one of the intriguing playoff showdowns, the team unable to find its heart against the potential of a long playoff run. Watcha got, Magic?”
yeah of course go right ahead and give the sixers more material to which gain motivation.
Must win tonight for the Magic, Sixers already did their Job.
Well Written Post!
NAS designed your BLUEPRINT, who you kidding?
Is he H TO THE IZZO, M TO THE IZZO?
For shizzle you phony, the rapping version of SISQO~Nas
by I blocked Patrick Chewing on Apr 22, 2009 7:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Howard's Eye
Anymore news on Dwight Howard’s scratched eye? I assume its a non issue but if there is anything that can throw Howard off his game, which I don’t expect, it could be a small break for the Sixers.
I def. agree. Unless it is in the paint, the Magic’s defense is mediocre. If the Sixers can keep knocking down perimeter shots, which I can’t say I expect considering their inability to make 3 pointers during the season, the Sixers have a good shot at building off of Sunday’s game.
Also, even if they lose tonight, they have done what they needed to do. The intention is to take at least one of the two games on the road during the initial 4 games of the playoffs. Winning tonight would be huge because they would be coming home up 2 games. Lets just hope they can continue their magic . . . no pun intended ;)
Go Sixers!
by flyrsfrk05 on Apr 22, 2009 7:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure his eye is fine.
A win tonight would be so huge.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To answer your question
No, the Sixers won’t be able to avoid a letdown.
What I gathered from this post is that Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee went off in the game, so the Sixers should have lost?
I don’t get your logic. Dwight Howard had a huge game, and Lee did as well, but who else showed up for the Magic?
Answer: NOBODY
If either Rashard Lewis OR Hedo had a halfway decent game, the Sixers lose.
And they will.
And they will lose the series.
Sorry you got your hopes up.
by Ebeth on Apr 22, 2009 8:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A minor premise in my argument.
What I gathered from this post is that Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee went off in the game, so the Sixers should have lost?
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um – ‘lucky’
look at season 3 point shooting stats – look at that game 3 point shooting stats – look at the shot iguodala made for the win – look at the coaching mistakes by van gundy (hell how many times did di leo out coach someone this season)
Yes it’s great the sixers won – but if people think luck wasn’t a factor – i mean jesus christ – the sixers are one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the league, magic one of the best…then i think you’re deluding yourself.
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Every game has an element of luck.
But you think the Magic shooting poorly from three (because of perimeter D) and Iguodala’s game-winner (which he has done all year) and more lucky than the Pistons shooting 39 percent and Reggie Evans hitting a fadeaway 15-foot jumper to ice the game?
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think any game in which the sixers out shoot a team from the 3 point line has an element of luck – because the sixers 3 point defense has been atrocious – for years – not just this season
when it’s one of the best teams in the league at shooting the 3 this season – then yes i even more so think it’s a function of luck
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They had no open shots though.
The Sixers are committed to stopping the three this series, so I believe they can do it for three more games.
I agree with you that the Sixers won’t continue to outshoot them, but that’s not that big of deal in my mind. That was just necessary for the comeback.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The magic are a team that lives (and dies) by the 3 – you can’t say it’s not a big deal as the sixers barely won – only by two and are unlikely to outshoot the magic from the 3 point line consistently.
ONE MORE made 3 and the sixers lose that game.
Think of it that way
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel ya.
But you could look at free throws the same way. The Sixers only made 11. They average 20.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they average 20 in 82 games
how many do they average on the road
And if you have time – take a look at how many times the magic shot that 3 point percentage or lower this year – if you can really split it up – look at home and road – not sure how much access or time you have
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously dude – where are your ppriorities – college – class – optional – sixers blog – mandatory
I KEED I KEED
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you only knew.
My grades would argue that I already spend too much time on here.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I never really advocate anyone screwing their future – balance – take ti from someone who learned the hard way – don’t let this get in the way of school – this will always be here – school won’t
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luck=Donyell Marshall
All you have to point out is 89 year old Donyell Marshall scoring 11 points in the 4th quarter.
You, being an obvious Sixer fan, can tell me since I don’t get the pleasure of watching them all year, how many times has he come in the game and done that this year?
I’m betting maybe……carry the one……..0 times.
by Ebeth on Apr 22, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say 3-4 times.
The games off the top of my head are Detroit and LA.
Ask Lakers fans about Donny-Ice.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marshall is good in certain situations – part of his lack of use this year is the coach is a moron
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think luck was a factor for the Sixers and a slight choking situation was a factor for the Magic. But some of that choking was caused by good defense. The fact that the Sixers made as many shots was lucky for them indeed. I’m not very confident that they can shoot like that again, but I would be thrilled if they prove me wrong.
by doubleh on Apr 22, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, obviously they won't shoot 74% in the fourth again.
But it probably won’t be necessary.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I admire your optimism – I just don’t think it’s realistic optimism – that’s all
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on Apr 22, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's worth saying
that everybody’s putting it down as a matter of course that Turkoglu just had a bad night, and everything will be fine with him. He said himself that if it weren’t the playoffs, he’d be on the bench. Add to that that Iguodala will make him work at both ends of the floor, and I really don’t see him making the impact everybody expects him to. Lewis will probably have a better game, but if he scores his season’s average, and Courtney Lee drops back to his season’s average, we’re in about the same spot. Thad can defend Lewis just fine as long as he doesn’t try to double on Superman down low. Not saying it’s gonna be Sixers in 5, but I don’t know where all the confidence is coming from.
by zfg on Apr 22, 2009 9:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The confidence is coming from 59 wins.
I’m not confident the Sixers will actually win the series, but I think it’ll be a dogfight, and they’ll win at least one more game.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not terribly confident the Sixers will win the series as well
but I don’t think the Magic can do the “flip the switch” thing Detroit did last season and just completely destroy. Maybe they’ll prove me wrong, though.
by zfg on Apr 22, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Magic don't have the vets and bench the Pistons had either
So I don’t see this series as being the same thing. It might ultimately have the same outcome, but I think the Sixers can play better, too, then they have.
by doubleh on Apr 22, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm convinced
I’ve watched nearly every Magic game this year, and BY FAR game 1 was the worst they have looked.
What nobody is talking about is the bench production, and that is the real key. Sure, Hedo will play better. Lewis will play better. Courtney Lee will not play as well. All true, however, the Magic’s bench looked horribly flat.
The other elephant in the room is the fact that the Magic were up by 18 points, and set it on cruise control. They have done that all year except once. Most of the final scores this year when the Magic won, should have been 20+ point blowouts, but the team just takes it easy once they get a big lead.
Same thing happened the other day, except this time, Hedo and Rashard weren’t in the building during the 4th quarter to bail the Magic out.
I feel sorry for Philly’s post players tonight.
Dwight is pissed.
by Ebeth on Apr 22, 2009 10:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Can't argue because I've only seen the Magic a couple times.
We’ll just have to wait and see. It’ll be fun.
by jsams on Apr 22, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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