by Brian on March 21, 2008 at 10:50PM
I'm going on record right now as saying I don't want to see Orlando in the first round anymore. Tonight's 113-95 drubbing in Orlando proved what a few comments touched on earlier this week. Orlando is not a good match-up for the Sixers.

Granted, they aren't going to shoot 60% from three, but they have too many weapons from outside and the Sixers just aren't consistently disciplined on those rotations. Apparently, they also don't have the confidence in Samuel Dalembert to go one-on-one with Dwight Howard, which I still think is the best defensive strategy to use.

I was all prepared to write about the horrible officiating in the first half (6 offensive fouls, at least 4 of which were complete B.S.) but it didn't matter. The Sixers made one run late in the first quarter to early in the second which worked the deficit down to 10 points, Rashard Lewis broke the run with a three and the Magic never looked back.

The Sixers play tomorrow night in New Jersey, and they better come with a better effort than they did tonight.

Player of The Game: Reggie Evans (he fueled the only Sixer run of the night with his defense and board work)
Team Record: 34-35 (back below .500)
Playoff Race: Washington won, Toronto and New Jersey lost, Atlanta didn't play. The Sixers are 1 game behind Toronto for the #6 seed, 1.5 behind Washington for the #5 seed and have a 4.5 game lead over the Hawks.



Also on the Network:
√ Four Straight? [Depressed Fan]
√ A Little Help? [Depressed Fan]
√ The first taco [Cobra Brigade]




[March 21, 2008 11:29 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Tray said

Would you rather see Detroit?

Also, I dare say that a game like this underlines the importance of outside shooting.

[March 21, 2008 11:52 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Tray

At this point, I do think I'd rather see Detroit. This game definitely highlighted the advantages of having outside shooting. They have so many guys who can hit the three. To beat them, you really need to punish them for having sub-par defenders in 3 starting positions. That means a half-court slowdown approach on offense, probably. Not the Sixers' strength.

[March 21, 2008 11:56 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Tray

By the way, I'm fully aware that my preference for playoff opponent is nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction to tonight's horrible game. My preference will probably be the same order it was the other day once I get over this one tomorrow.

[March 22, 2008 2:42 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Mike said

Didnt watch the game, I was unfortunately at the Flyers game (i hate figure skating) but you are definitely overreactiong, no matter what happened we would prefer to see Orl than Det. We wont beat either but id rather see Orl


Im watching for the 15th time iversons introduction.

[March 22, 2008 8:20 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Max said

It's just one game. We'll see how they play the nets tonight. Orlando beat them last night dictating the tempo with their threes; refs calls notwithstanding. I just don't understand why they won't let Sam guard howard one on one. Limiting three point looks should be their top priority no matter who they face. When the sixers lose they are almost always giving up too many threes to keep pace in the game.

[March 22, 2008 3:12 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Max

It wasn't just doubling Howard last night, it was stupid switches that led to other doubles. Miller wound up on Hedo in the post a couple times, which led to doubles, which led to wide open threes. Honestly, I think the very first play of the game was good indication of what was going to happen. Screen and roll with Nelson and Howard, Dalembert jumped out to double the ball hard, but no one rotated to Howard, he was wide open for a dunk. The Sixers were just a step behind.

Hopefully, it was just a hangover from the A.I. game in Philly. Tonight should be a different story.

[March 22, 2008 10:44 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Ricky - Sixers4guidos said

horrible game

Lou Williams was awful, despite his stat line. I put a lot of blame on him. He needs to stop forcing shots and make the team play, he can't be so selfish, tryin only to fill his stat line

and let's not even start talking about Green or Dalembert

thank God we have to play tonight as well... a chance to bounce back immediately

[March 22, 2008 3:14 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Ricky - Sixers4guidos

Absolutely, you don't want to have too much time to sit and think about a game like that. Even Thad had a bad game, he was rushing his shots and missed a ton of layups.

[March 22, 2008 3:58 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Andres said

Damn, that's a high % of threes made. Howard giggles like a school girl everytime he sees the Sixers on their schedule.
Anyway, tonight against the Nets should get them at .500 again.