| 21 January 2010
That's where the Sixers stand (13-28, .317) after the 90-98 loss to the Oden-less, Pryzbilla-less, Batum-less, Outlaw-less, and (in the second half), even Roy-less TrailBlazers.
I'll make this extremely quick as I worked until 10.30 PM (...), got home, watched the game and will have another tough day in office tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to eventually edit the post.
THREE ANSWERS
1) Yes, I am happy my man Andre Miller (in the pic) played a great game. He stepped up after Roy had to leave, scoring 14 points in the third quarter, including six straight + a three, that had Holiday rolling his eyes on the Sixers' bench.
He displayed his usual set of low post moves, mid range jumpers, pump/shot fakes. And questionable defense, of course, it's not like he's getting better at nearly 34 y/o. But I love his smartness.
2) No, no problem if your team, any team, misses two, three, four guys. You match up with the Sixers? One player with the hot hand per quarter is enough to come out with a W: Aldridge in the first (8), Miller in the third (14), Bayless in the fourth (14) got the job done for Portland. Simple as that.
3) Yes, Iguodala's stat line looks excellent, and he played a good game overall, but Mr. NO Clutch (0/4 on last second shots this year) missed the three for the potential -1 with 37 seconds left and Sixers traling by four, 90-94.
Which could lead us to two further questions: why does he pretty much always take the decisive shot? And also: why did he take a three, instead of driving to the rim? Portland was in the penalty by the way. Yes, he had a good look, but I'm afraid that no look is good enough for Iguodala down the stretch... (more after the jump)THREE QUESTIONS
1) Why did Brand take only eight shots? He was regularly beating his men on the low post and scored eight in the fourth... how about trying to go to him next time in a close game?
2) How cool is being Dalembert? I take my hat off to him again, he came to the arena directly from the airport,after a quick trip to his homeland, and played another great game, scoring even eight points in the third. Well done Sam, both in Haiti and in Philly.
3) How cool is Jrue Holiday? He stayed in the game in the fourth (LW sat out for the last 14.39 minutes, despite dishing out a season high seven assists... guess he isn't particularly happy) and he showed he deserves to be there. True, last night he got beaten by Bayless on a bunch of plays, but at least he keeps pressure on the opposing PG, and is effecive scoring the ball.
REASONS
Why we lost the game
No stops and no baskets down the stretch. Another big shot missed by Iguodala, make it five for the season, waiting for a more accurate count (perhaps in the next days)
To be optimistic
Jrue Holidays is emerging and perhaps something/someone made Jordan change idea about having him in for the final minutes. If you are a tanker, the projected 26-56 record is a lock for the lottery.
To be worried
Do you really need this? Ok, another close loss, another game we should/could have won turning into a defeat. Thaddeus Young went back to being pretty much useless, despite getting a lot of playing time.
Friday agains the Mavs, I'm going out on a limb and predict a loss.
