| 12 January 2010
Yep, serious.
A good squad, a team we traditionally always struggled with (and I'm being nice), red hot, coming off six straight victories: 96-92 Sixers (12-25, .324).
The game, really enjoyable, raised many interesting points. Sixers showed they can play good defense for two consecutive games (something never seen this year), some guys proved they can play defense as well (and we never thought that).
Some other guys are amazing me with a series of excellent games.
Let's try to analyze all in our sections.
THREE ANSWERS
1) Yes, apparently Lou Williams can stay in front of this man instead of playing his trademark "toreador defense". Pretty shocking, he chosed the matchup with Chris Paul to show us that. Paul, a notorious Sixers-killer, was 0/5 in the first half and his his first field goal with 6.47 to play in the third (!).
Lou didn't play in the fourth (!!) but he did limit Hornets' all star point guard while he was on the floor: quick foot work, good job on the pick and roll, shots contested. I must say that defense was one of the most pleasant surprises of the game. Now you can pick: praise Williams for that, or getting mad at him because he does this twice a year.
2) No, it wasn't another Dalembert, it was actually him, "our" Sammy. Game winner on a baseline hook (94-92, 25 seconds left - in the pic)? TWELVE rebounds in the FIRST QUARTER ??? Are you kidding me? While I think (uhm, better: I hope...) that the play was a broken one, he finished it with a soft touch, completing a nice feed by Iguodala.
Sam was 4+12+3 in the first period, and he was the main reason for our 27-12 lead. Fine, now trade him (lol). But seriously. Talking about an all time high in value.
3) Yes, the shortened rotation is paying off. While I'll always be the one to tell you that these Sixers are so deep that they could use ten men (with a good coach, I mean), in games like this the 7 1/2 man rotation that Jordan used make sense.
Speights had no impact last night (0/3) and the big line up with Sam AND Brand finally together for extended stretches, also in the 4th, gives Sixers a good combination of rebounding, defense and scoring. While Brand still takes too many mid range jumpers for my taste, he's always pretty effective offensively, especially if he gets to the line and makes his freebies like tonight. (more after the jump)THREE QUESTIONS
1) Is Jordan getting a clue about Holiday? The rookie had 23 minutes, and the entire 4th quarter. He drained a big, big three (89-85) from the corner, and the 6 rebounds + 4 assists, to go with only one turnover, are there to show the kid is for real. Speaking of boards...
2) How can Brand's rebounding numbers be so low? I already underlined this, but the trend is becoming more and more worrying. Outrebounded 4-6 by a 6'4 rookie PG? We allowed n-i-n-e-t-e-e-n offensive boards, which is unsustainable.
Hornets had a 9-0 run in the fourth, mainly because of all those second chances. Many were on Brand (and Thad). Because of the stupid rotation system, yes (the same that puts Dalembert on Paul on two key possessions down the stretch). Also. But he has to increase his production there. Dramatically.
3) Is Young coming out of his slump? Uhm, maybe yes, but not quickly enough. 1/7 in the first half... he did better in the second (5/5), even playing some nice defense (steal + dunk, to name one). Maybe he can start from there?
REASONS
Why we won the game
Finaly didn't lose composure after the usual blown leads (86-76 ---> 86-85, then 91-91. But also 33-17 ---> 48-49, if you like it more...). Jordan went with the big lineup for most of the game and stayed with Jrue in the fourth.
Iguodala was very productive again, despite taking few shots. I am loving his last games, he looks more like a "facilitator" but at the end of the day he always fills every column in the stat sheet: even three bombs and 7/8 free throws last night. The nice thing is that he has never forced a shot lately.
To be optimistic
Well, a nice win on every aspect, one of the best ones this year. Dalembert's trade value is increasing (yes, I am all for sending him out of town, three good games at 28 y/o won't make me forget basically eight years of 'suckness'). Good to have lighted a fire under Lou's arse, also... I think some bench (and 'healthy' competition) will benefit him.
8/15 from behind is fantastic, same for 22/27 from the line. Close games, you knock down your foul shots, you have a chance to win.
To be worried
Another big lead blown. Except Dalembert, this team has ZERO good rebounders, especially under our rim. Perimeter defense still needs a lot of work (Hornets shot 8/18 from three, and 5/7 in the second). A defensive "system" that leaves Dalembert guarding Paul one-on-one on two plays in crunch time (= a three + an assist) is criminal.
Tomorrow vs NY Guidos, a team that NOW looks decent.
