| 09 March 2010
I got to the point that games like the 86-96 loss to the Celtics are the ones that I love the most.
Hard fought, tough, close losses.
Good for a 22-39 (.361) record, that gets Sixers closer to the lottery.
One more time, we got the evdidence that Sixers could have been a competitive team this tear, if properly coached, while Celtics are far from the team that won the title two years ago.
Still, a group of over-the-hill-but-talented veterans that "play the right way" is too much to handle for the 2010 Sixers, that can't put a 48 minute effort together.
THREE ANSWERS
1) Yes, I always want to win against the Celtics, seriously. I just can't stand them. It's a pity they got rid of the jerk named Eddie House, my fav hatred target, but still...
It will be great to watch Orlando or Cavs kick them out again this summer, knowing Boston has Garnett and Wallace signed for TWO more years. Sour grapes, I am aware of that, don't worry.
2) No, I never thought that Jrue Holiday (or Lou Williams, for what matters) could shut Rajon Rondo Down. That's why his 14 point third quarter was barely a shocker. Phenomenal player.
3) Yes, the game got physical early. Elbows thrown out, some harsh words. Nice (more after the jump).THREE QUESTIONS
1) How can a 6'9 power forward grab ONE rebound in EIGHTEEN minutes? Ask Elton Brand. Great offensive performance though, 7/9 in the first half, including a 6/6 first quarter, pushing Sixers' lead to 25-18.
2) Related to the first question, obviously. How can Elton Brand NEVER be in position for the rebound? I often take a look at him when our opponents take a shot from the perimeter and he's always somewhere around the elbow, the free throw line or already "sprinting" to the other halfcourt. You won't get many balls there, bud.
So cut the bullshit, it's not like:
"I know people are looking for those numbers [20 and 10] from me. I understand that. But we do have Sam [Dalembert] down low, and he gobbles up a lot of rebounds.
I don't see Iguodala's numbers being affected by Dalembert's dominance under the boards, he's a 6'7 swingman that is outrebounding your arse (6.7 vs 6.5).
3) How many Celtics fans are there in Philadelphia? The announced crowd was over 19.000, pretty unusual for Wachovia Center's standards.
REASONS
Why we lost the game
Celtics, clearly not in their best shape, made the key plays down stre stretch. We cut it to five (85-90) and they missed a shot, but got the offensive rebound and Pierce found a way to get himself to the free throw line: 85-92 with 56 second left, game over.
To be optimistic
This is the right way to finish the season. Stay in all games, and eventually lose them. The attitude was there this time. Lou Williams' is getting back to his pre-injury efficiency. We are talking about offense only, of course.
To be worried
Since we are so unconsistent, we'll probably follow this game with a terrible one.
Raptors on Sunday next.
