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It was all shaping up to be a nice little Monday evening inside the Steidel household. Get home from work at a reasonable hour, light up the ol' stove to cook some dinner, then enjoy a late January edition of a little Sixers/Suns, the most intense rivalry since Val Venis and Ken Shamrock. Little did I know, but the pipe lords of the world had different plans for me, causing me to miss the Suns 124-113 victory over the Sixers (resisting urge to make ice to cool off the Suns pun).
It's on nights like these, however, that we're happy to have our old friend Twitter around. While I didn't get to see any live action, I could read along as if I were following it the moment it happened. Join me as I live tonight's game through a series of Twitter observations. Strap in.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And the Sixers called a time out 25 seconds into the game. So things are going swimmingly already. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SixersTalk&src=hash">#SixersTalk</a></p>— John Gonzalez (@gonzoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/gonzoCSN/statuses/427957202675318784">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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That's an interesting strategy, Cotton. We'll have to see if it pays off.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2 dunks and 2 layups for the Suns.</p>— John Finger (@jrfingerCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/jrfingerCSN/statuses/427957655488188416">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The previous timeout appears to have been effective, stopping the Suns from getting (don't say hot, don't say hot)… some three-pointers under their belts.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Suns&src=hash">#Suns</a> shooting 8-9</p>— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/statuses/427958454742159360">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Sounds like just about every other team the Sixers have played this year. Carry on. Nothing to see here. Single file.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Coach Brown calls time to try and cool off <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns">@suns</a>, who came out hot to start the game (10/11 FG). <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> trail 21-9 w/ 7:00 left in Q1.</p>— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixers/statuses/427958851896635392">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Boom! Leave it to the Sixers twitter to give us a sun pun. I'm still abstaining. I don't want to get pregnant.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Plumlee just abusing poor Spencer Hawes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PoorSpencerHawes&src=hash">#PoorSpencerHawes</a></p>— Seth Pollack (@sethpo) <a href="https://twitter.com/sethpo/statuses/427960697084186624">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Whatever, Seth. I'll believe it when somebody who isn't biased towards the Suns says it.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Plumlee is absolutely abusing Hawes on both sides of the ball.</p>— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liberty_Ballers/statuses/427960906111139842">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Oh. Okay.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>After one, Phoenix leads 40-26. ... The Suns are shooting 17-for-22 (77.3 percent). Meanwhile, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> are 10-for-25 (40 percent).</p>— Christopher A. Vito (@ChrisVito) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVito/statuses/427963260327845888">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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77% you say? Like, they're shooting could have gotten a C+ on a test? The Suns shooting percentage could have easily gotten a bachelor's degree? It better save me a ticket for graduation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hollis Thompson leads <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> with 7 pts on 3-3 shooting. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Suns&src=hash">#Suns</a> up 42-30 w 8:53 left in half. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PHX&src=hash">#PHX</a> has 9 TO in 15 mins, but is shooting 75%</p>— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/statuses/427965686028443648">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I'd have to think those turnovers were the only thing keeping the Sixers within striking distance at this moment. That, and Hollis Thompson being the Smash Williams of this team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just as the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> got it to within seven, at 50-43, the Suns go on an 8-2 run. Brett Brown calls timeout, w/ 3:36 to go in the first half</p>— Christopher A. Vito (@ChrisVito) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVito/statuses/427968818401406977">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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"Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in." Well, the opposite of that.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A really awful picture of <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Levin">@Michael_Levin</a> drinking a beer on HIMYM(!) <a href="http://t.co/RfO04y2tNo">pic.twitter.com/RfO04y2tNo</a></p>— Jake Pavorsky (@JakePavorsky) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakePavorsky/statuses/427969977455349760">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Souces confirm (FAKE SOURCES!) that it is indeed an awful picture. Nice research, Jake.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MCW hits a pair of FTs as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> 70-60 with 8:23 left in thrid quarter</p>— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/statuses/427977109005680640">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Can't complain with the youngster getting to line, let alone knocking down both.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>This will likely anger Plumlee. You do not want to anger Plumlee. You would not like him when he's angry.</p>— John Gonzalez (@gonzoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/gonzoCSN/statuses/427980145870536704">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I imagine he turned into Terry Crews at some point? Hey, hey, hey.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> are shooting 24-25 from the foul line and are losing 88-79 with 1:39 left in third</p>— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/statuses/427982604328263680">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Got to be encouraged by those numbers from the free throw line. I'm no doctor, but making a ton of free throws on just about as many attempts could be beneficial.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Evan Turner playing well against Phoenix! Trade for him! It's such a good idea!</p>— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Levin/statuses/427981784047816704">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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He's like Adam Banks as a Hawk playing great against the Ducks. They've got to be intrigued. GOT TO!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Suns&src=hash">#Suns</a> starting guards Green (7-for-8) and Dragic (7-for-9) shooting a combined 14-for-17 with 38 points in 45 minutes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a></p>— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/statuses/427983207212908545">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Much love to Tom for not throwing in something about being on fire or hot from the outside. He's a pro's pro.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>After three quarters: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> trail Phoenix, 95-82.</p>— Christopher A. Vito (@ChrisVito) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVito/statuses/427984064335720448">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Staying the course. Doing the bull dance. Feelin the flow. Workin it.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers&src=hash">#Sixers</a> Lavoy Allen as many fouls (5) as points (2) and rebounds (3) combined.</p>— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/statuses/427985216745926656">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Doesn't seem as impressive a stat as Gerald Green and Goran Dragic's shooting percentages now does it?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hawes/Turner/Thad all putting up decent games against a likely trade partner. Closing on three weeks until the Deadline.</p>— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Levin/statuses/427986798241783808">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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There's our Mike. Causing commotion and starting rumors without really saying anything.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/thekidet">@thekidet</a> to the rack for the lefty finish! 104-96 Suns w/ 5:44 to play. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LetsGoSixers&src=hash">#LetsGoSixers</a>!</p>— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixers/statuses/427987655180435456">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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If I wasn't live but not-live following this game, I would never believe the Sixers still had a shot at a win here. Despite the outrageous shooting percentages from the Suns' backcourt, the white shirts have the deficit to single digits.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gerald Green hits back-breaking 3-pointer, looks to the folks in the courtside seats and says, 'Shhh.' Suns lead Sixers 113-100 w/ 3:13 left</p>— Christopher A. Vito (@ChrisVito) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVito/statuses/427989380796780544">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Was it Old Man Knees? He better not have shhhhh'ed Old Man Knees.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Suns 124, Sixers 113 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SIXERSTALK&src=hash">#SIXERSTALK</a></p>— John Gonzalez (@gonzoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/gonzoCSN/statuses/427991918812102657">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sixers have given up 120 or more points nine times. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SIXERSTALK&src=hash">#SIXERSTALK</a></p>— John Gonzalez (@gonzoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/gonzoCSN/statuses/427991164802064384">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The defense certainly isn't there. Over/under how many games until they reach 10?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MCW with 22 and 11 asts AND the sixers lose, best night ever</p>— Chuck Scrimalli (@PrinceCHARL3S) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrinceCHARL3S/statuses/427992235872108544">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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A solid line from Michael Carter-Williams and one more notch in the ever growing L column? Can't complain there.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Perfect Sixers loss. Really, really perfect. 14-31.</p>— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Levin/statuses/427992264002924544">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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See, I told you.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I totally had a recap idea planned for the Sixers-Suns game tonight equating it to the "Tale of Two Cities" where Philly was Sydney Carton</p>— Sohil Doshi (@Sohil_Doshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sohil_Doshi/statuses/427994938664423424">January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Like the memory of this game, Sohil's ideas slowly but surely drift away into oblivion.
Add another loss to the record books, kids. It's just another day at work for Brett Brown and his boys. We're back at it on Wednesday against the now Rajon Rondo led Celtics.
For all your Suns information, check out our pals at Bright Side Of The Sun.