Sammy's Hook and Andre's Foul Shots Lift Sixers over Hornets
by Michael Levin on Jan 11, 2010 7:48 PM PST
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PrintA few defensive stops and some decent ball control make this team a lot better. Not RickoT better, but better nonetheless. I don't feel like getting all paragraphy up in this B, so I'll hit the bullet points to save time, effort, and the world as we know it.
- Rotations: It's a rare occasion where I commend Eddie Jordan for anything at all. BUT. He made some relatively smart decisions towards the end of the game that gave us a good chance to win. The best one was playing Jrue Holiday for 23 minutes, including the last 14 minutes of the game without a rest. He kept Dalembert in for the better part of the game to neutralize Emeka Okafor on the glass, and inserted Carney for Iverson at the end of the game when Peja Stojakovic bricked a defended three. While it seems like an easy decision to us to take AI out for the more defensively-minded Carney, it has been the failure to make substitutions like these at the end of the game that's handed us more losses than we should have.
- Defense: Discussed (and disagreed) heavily in the game thread, the defense is what put us over the top tonight. Strong 1st and 4th quarters on D allowed us to have our typical mid-game lapses that we know and love. That goes back to the rotations and reliance on guys like Jrue, Andre, Brand, and Dalembert and less time for Speights, Lou and Thad than they are accustomed to. Brand led the charge with a +13 in his 33 minutes, primarily due to good defense on David West, who shot only 6-17 on the night. Jrue and his shaky psyche (say that five times fast) were charged with the task of covering (you're still saying shaky psyche, I knew it) Chris Paul, who came into the game shooting 50% from the field and 20 points per game. The youngest player in the NBA (and some of Lou Williams) held him to just 13 points on 5-13 shooting. Add him to the list of above average guards that Jrue has shut down. Kid's got a future. But, our opponent once again shot over 40% from beyond the arc. They never cease to amaze me. However, we didn't lose to a game winning three. Go figure.
- Rebounding: This could've gone with defense, but I wanted to stick to positives there. Our rebounding tonight was pretty bad. While Dalembert held his own grabbing 14 boards, Holiday was the only one with more than 5 (did I mention he's good?) and the Hornets reeled in 19 offensive rebounds. That's unacceptable. It also led to 91 shots for the Hornets tonight. That's what people in the biz would call a buttload. Fortunately, New Orleans only hit 37 of them to the tune of a poor 41% from the field (stark difference from the 48% our opponents average -- good for 3rd worst in the league). Our guard rebounding is what really hurt us the most. Usually they pull down more than most backcourts but aside from Jrue, the combination of Iverson, Williams and the Round Mound of Rebound
Charles BarkleyWillie Green only came down with 4 rebounds in a total of 72 minutes. Subpar. - Also, big ups to Sam for another solid game, playing within himself, getting some nice blocks, and nailing the game winning hook shot with 26 seconds left. After Peja's miss, Iguodala, who many have criticized for not "having it" (bollocks), sunk two big free throws to seal it. Good win boys. But what's even better: the Pacers beat the Raptors! So we don't lose any ground in the lottery sweepstakes. Hooray.
- Lastly, I'd like to give our collective genitalia a collective stroking for pumping out 327 comments (as of this posting). That's the most we've ever had on a game thread by far, and second in the history of this site only to the 2009 Draft. And all without JSams, who sadly missed this night due to a scholarly obligation. School is for fools, Jordan. Let's keep it up, faithful posters.
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I think my presence probably boosted the game thread count....I'm kind of a big deal.
No but seriously, EJ actually did a decent job tonight in his game management… even though 1 win won’t discount the horrid season overall. I’m torn between rooting for and against winning but I’ll always stick to my natural instinct to win. Yes, I will probably regret it come draft day but I’ll think about it then.
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
Good balanced summary!
I was at the game. Actually caught myself rooting for a win. Sorry guys!
I think Lou was in shock in the 4th quarter ending, he was walking around during the timeouts like,what in the world is Jrue playing for me??? Maybe thinking: “He plays defense and I shoot the ball, that is your best defense, coach!”
Good job tonight guys. I’m torn on whether to root for wins or losses. I’m still leaning towards losses at this point.
And Mike, how dare you sell our blog short!
I was going to say....
I definitely remember some 500+ days.
There is something wrong
Coach Jordan said Jrue was playing good defense tonight, kept us organized and had a great box out on Oakafor. That is why Lou did not play.
I am very confused. I am sure he has been brought to the woodshed by Stefanski, IMO.
As much as I love balls...
(ping-pong balls, guys, get your heads out of the gutter), it’s hard not to enjoy watching a win like this. It’s difficult to start rooting against a team you’ve spent so many years rooting for.
I’ve always seen it spelled bollocks, but proceeded to spell it incorrectly in the post.
by Michael Levin on Jan 12, 2010 9:07 AM PST up reply actions
I agree that is was our defense that won the game for us at the end, but only because offensively the team broke down. The Sixers only managed 21 points in the final quarter, so once again we see Sixers offensive production fail late in the game. Holding the Hornets to only 18 in the final stanza sealed the deal.
So while we may want to give out congratulations, and even give Eddie Jordan some credit for making timely substitutions, it is improtant to realize that the Sixers are still a work in progress with a long way to go.
Total score for the 2nd half Phila. was identical to the first, which IS an improvement. (48) Typically they shoot lights out in the first half and then fall off the pace completely in the 2nd. The Hornets managed to shoot a mere 1 point better the entire 2nd half, and none of their players had a good night offensively.
My biggest concern is on the offensive end, not because offense is more important, but because it is the Sixers offensive lapses that allow oppossing teams to get back in the game. Moreover, because the Sixers frequently manage to open a large lead in the first half, all they need to do to garner more wins would be to trade baskets for the 2nd half.
The poor offense is what feeds the other team easy baskets, a quick possession that results in a miss and a quick run-out for the other team has been the Sixers typical MO and is still a problem. But I want to point out that this is an offensive failure. When the Sixers are set on defense, they really do a pretty good job.
The Sixer offense last night had 2 good periods and 2 bad ones. 27 in the first (good) 21 in the 2nd (bad) 27 in the third (good) and 21 in the 4th bad.
I think the Sixers should be a more prolific scoring team based on their personnel. I’d like to see them score over 105 every night, and as long as they do that without wasting any possessions that should be enough for them to win.
Eddie’s rotations were an improvement, but he still ran some players too long and others not enough. The Sixers inability to stop the Hornets from getting 2nd chance shots enabled them to stay in the game. Sam is a very good rebounder and shot-blocker, but he’s the only one we have, and his production falls off dramatically in the 2nd half most nights. Speights only got 5 min, of playing time, and while he didn’t distinguish himself, the ability to spell Sam should not be discounted. Jason Smith got no PT at all, which I also find disturbing.
Against a lot of teams, our height is adequate, but never an advantage with Thad playing a lot of 4. But the better teams in the NBA, the Bostons, LA’s etc. all have multiple big men. If the Sixers are ever going to compete successfully against these teams they need another big man in the rotation, and preferably 2, as insurance against foul trouble.
Speights is likely a better inside scorer than Brand, or at least has the potential to be, and that is a very good player to have on the floor learning and developing. Smith also has demonstrated some real effort when he is out on the floor- to a certain extent this is good, keeping them hungry for PT incentivises them to play well when they do get a shot.
But make no mistake, inside rebounding is still a weakness for the Sixers when it appears we have the players to make it a strength.
NO isn’t known as a great rebounding team, but they managed 51 bds, to only 43 for our gang. We got away with it last night, but against a better shooting team that would be a loss. Even more disturbing was NO’s offensive boards- 19 of them is way too many 2nd chance shots to give up.
I’m harping on this because it is a potential problem, and while a win is always good, it shouldn’t distract you from working on other weaknesses. Eddie Jordan gets a passing great for the night though. B-.
it is improtant to realize that the Sixers are still a work in progress with a long way to go.
I love that you’re telling us this.
by Michael Levin on Jan 12, 2010 9:09 AM PST up reply actions
Smith also has demonstrated some real effort when he is out on the floor- to a certain extent this is good
ha
by Michael Levin on Jan 12, 2010 9:12 AM PST up reply actions
Ugh, Jason Smith should not be in the rotation if this team really wants to win
by jemagee on Jan 12, 2010 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
I’d like to know how you came to that conclusion considering how little he has played. I’ve seen plenty of big men that turned out to be busts in the NBA, and also some who managed to make a career, like Bill Wennigton, one of the nicest people I’ve met who are pro athletes.
I don’t have an opinion one way or the other yet. Which is why I want to see him play. It’s not as though Thad Young is such a solid 4 that we couldn’t get any better at that spot. In addition, I really want Thad at the 3 where he can cause mismatch problems for the other team.
I came to this conclusion his first year…he’s doughty, he’s soft, he’s slow laterally, and aside from having a ‘3 point range’ that’s good for the sixers but not good for the rest of the league he can’t do frack all.
Sixer fans were all excited about him this year because he didn’t play last year, it’s like getting all excited about rodney carney coming back…smith has done nothing this year to prove that he’s not a soft doughty laterally slow useless player on a team that has 3 better big men than him and likes to play a SF out of position to start anyway
by jemagee on Jan 12, 2010 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
It isn’t very intelligent to determine a rookie Center/PF’s value with such limited time seeing him play. I saw him put the ball on the floor and drive the lane, and look pretty good doing it.
The thing about players is that the best thing you can do for them is play them. They get better over time, or you find out fast that they just aren’t going to get better. Players that show potential should get more minutes, like Jrue because they show they can contribute. Speights has already demonstrated the ability to contribute significantly. Smith has on outside shot, which is a plus, I want to see him thown into the fire so to speak and see what he can do against another team’s 2nd string center.
Brand is a good PF, but he’s short. Speights is the right size. Smith is also the right size and having him on the bench is a waste. Play him and see what he can do now, or decide if he’s worth keeping on the team. That’s part of what developing a team is all about.
did you honestly try to compare jason smith to one of the greatest players of all-time?
by Tanner Steidel on Jan 12, 2010 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
I swear he reminds me of one of my friends, who vehemently believes this Sixer team is championship caliber: Dre is the Kobe-like, Thad Young is the second coming, Dalembert is the best Center of All-time, etc etc.
Philadelphia Optimism/Delusion at its finest?
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
On Larry Bird – someon elses words
How many 6’9 power players can pass brilliantly, shoot exceptionally well with range, be ultra tough and grab lots of rebounds, and be totally dedicated to the craft and the team? I say none.
Wondering which of those smith can do?
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Jesus you’re ridiculous, justifying my ‘ignore’ set on you in other places.
I saw Jason Smith play an entire season before determining his ability – if he’s so damn good offfnsively why the hell can’t he get on the floor with a coach who only cares about offense?
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
You mean you agree with Eddie Jordan’s coaching decisions? This is a coach who likes his former All-Star power forward coming off the bench.
So your evaluation was based on his rookie season playing a very limited role prior to his injury and decided that he was never going to be an NBA player? Learning a position that takes years to master.
Wow – you got me – because I agree with how he handles Jason Smith I agree with everything he says – seriously – do you get paid for doing any sort of job? Cause seriously, you’re just stealing money.
Yes, seeing Jason Smith play is how I made my decision that he wasn’t very good…there were people out there determining he’d be awesome this year after an entire year off of no playing whatsoever (I’m sure you were in that boat) and his minutes this year he’s demonstrated himself to be a doughy, soft, defensively challenged, afraid of the low post, and laterally slow, so tell me where my assessment of him was wrong…I mean I know you can’t do it with facts, but dazzle me with your verbal diarrhea?
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:31 AM PST up reply actions
If the team thought that then why did they bring him back? Someone, probably DiLeo still thinks he can play.
Cause he’s cheap
Keep changing your argument until you can find a point you win…aside from him and Bird both being white
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:38 AM PST up reply actions
You’re the one agreeing with Jordan.
I think at the every least he gives you extra fouls to use against Dwight Howard or some other post player to give Sam some bench minutes. Maybe he really can’t do it, but I’d like to see some consistent minutes just to see what he’s capable of. I haven’t seen enough of him to see if he can battle for position and get rebounds.
Aside from Brand and Dalembert we have no interior rebounding and that isn’t enough. The two tallest players you have are sitting on the bench. Eddie is doing this now since he has 4 decent guards he knows can play. He’s playing a short team using Thad a 4. He’s an idiot. Go ahead and argue that.
Ok – so now he’s just for extra fouls.
I agree with Jordan on one move – that doesn’t extrapolate to all moves – seriously
Aside from Brand and Dalembert we have no interior rebounding and that isn’t enough.
And Smith is that? Especially over speights? I mean speights is weak defensively, but Smith is worse.
It’s like you ignore players on the roster to try and make your ‘point’
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
No, I want them both playing, and Speights more than Smith.
Just for a while, I’d like to see the team try to play using it’s size. Front lines with two bigs is usually a good way to go.
yes cause you can’t teach height right?
You know what you end up with such archaic idiotic thinking that ignores many many facts.
With the #2 pick in the draft, the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers select Sean Bradley from BYU
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
You really are dense, you know that right?
Playing Speights or Smith at the 4 or 5 lets you put Thad at the 3 where he belongs.
It gives you two big men to block out and rebound so when Sam goes up for a block no one can come in and get an easy shot behind him, like when you try playing a 3 at the 4 spot.
Like every “Elite” team in the NBA. Which of them doesn’t have two bigs on their front lines? So much for archaic idiotic thinking.
It gives you two big men to block out and rebound so when Sam goes up for a block no one can come in and get an easy shot behind him, like when you try playing a 3 at the 4 spot.,/i>
So you want Sam on the court WITH two more big men – and thad and rebounding go together like you and facts
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
Larry Bird was soft doughy laterally slow too. Just sayin’
Was Larry a slow White guy or wasn’t he? That’s the only comparison.
aside from the fact that you are way off calling bird soft and doughy can you make up ur mind on what ur saying – first you compare three things to smith now you say only his race matters
by Tanner Steidel on Jan 13, 2010 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
It’s the idiots guide to debate, when the facts don’t work confuse people by changing the point.
The ONLY reason he compared him to bird is because they have the same skin tone
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
yes, we’re the morons who tried to use Larry Bird to justify Jason Smith getting minutes…
Because even going as far back as college, Bird and Smith are really close in performance levels so that they could be compared.
Give it up bozo – if smith wasn’t white you wouldn’t have used the comparison – plus there’s more to bird than what you said (and oh yeah – bird wasn’t soft – he may have been doughy but he wasn’t soft, i’d explain the difference to you but the people who matter get it )
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
You’ve never successfully demonstrated that you have or comprehend humor – so why should we not assume that like most of your thoughts and posts, it’s just a poorly thought out attempt to try and prove an untenable point?
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
IT was never a point, it was only a joke and you missed it. Even though there’s some truth to it. Larry wasn’t soft, meaning he wouldn’t back down from anyone, but he wasn’t really a banger down low. He was their small forward.
I don’t know that Jason Smith is really soft either, he does have size and he does have a shooting touch. If he can give the team 10 or 15 min, of good play, I think that would help the team a lot. Just because he has size and might be able to rebound and put a body on someone.
Jason Smith
has been more uncoordinated this year on the court than me! I do not want him anywhere near this floor IF WE WANT TO WIN!
2ND thought, lets hope EJ starts him! Maybe we will be Jordanless faster!
Lousy defensive rebounding and extraordinary (for this team) 3 point shooting at home against a team on the second half of a back to back and only won by 4.
Nice win but still same old holes as always
by jemagee on Jan 12, 2010 7:32 AM PST reply actions
Tonights game will be brought to you by the word douchenozzle and the number 14
by jemagee on Jan 13, 2010 10:17 AM PST reply actions
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