The question is whether the Miami Heat will take offense to losing to the Derrick Rose-less Bulls on Wednesday night. Whether they'll be galvanized by an unforgivable failure on the road. Or whether they'll shrug, comfortable in their imagined dominance, and lay another egg like they did after falling in Utah, to the Jazz. If the first two meetings are any indication, the Sixers bring out the best of the Heat. Prepare for their best.
The Sixers have more athleticism and defensive ability on the perimeter than just about any team in the league, but that isn't enough against a team like Miami if they're really playing their game. The Sixers need to step it up a little more tonight, they need to play above their heads for one night. Their strengths have to manifest themselves as strengths and they need someone in the front court to elevate his game. Like I said in the preview, it's a tall order, but not impossible.
The tip is at 7pm on ESPN. This is your game thread. I'll be right here throughout. Join me if you're having a problem feeling optimistic, but can't help yourself anyway.
Prediction: Abstain.
One last thing. Jrue needs to win his matchup with Chalmers by a large margin. Chalmers gets spoon fed looks, while Jrue mainly creates his own, but when the game is over, he can't be out-scored by Miami's PG. We need to see Jrue pick up where he left off on Wednesday night and force Miami to switch things up defensively.
Miami hasn't been playing great lately. I give the Sixers a shot. That doesn't mean I think they would even come close to beating them in a seven game series, but I give them a shot tonight.
someone please f-ing explain why we are resting Hawes tonight and starting him tomorrow. Clearly should be the reverse given matchups.
Is that legit? Man, I'm so sick of him already.
barf......
They said that this will allow him to play every game next week, because of how the schedule is set up. I'm not sure how it makes sense, but if he was going to play like a stiff tonight then he might as well sit.
Bleh. The Bulls have a stronger front court, and I guess maybe if you know he's going to miss one of the games, it makes sense to have one guy well rested for tomorrow night.
We got this let's go Sixers if the Sixers is not ur team go jump off a cliff also let's go redskins rg3 the furure baby
You know, I always thought the worst thing was to be a sixers/cowboys fan, but dallas is far enough away from philly that being a sixers redskins fan is much worse
If we hit 444 comments in this thread, I'm going to stop accepting more for symmetry's sake.
is Sam Young available tonight?
I believe so. Dorris and is that Teriko (don't know how to spell his name)? When it's an ESPN game, I'm happy as long as it isn't Mullin doing the game.
He is available...not sure how much he will play.
So Doug called out Vuc for playing soft earlier to the media. He said he needs to play tougher. I don't think I've heard him call out a player like that in public, he always seemed like a behind closed doors type of coach.
Has Vuc ever played tough - I mean ever - in high school - or in college? He doesn't strike me as 'tough' - nor does Hawes, or Allen, and Brand is old.
Come on Philly, use the NSU inspiration, if they can beat Mizzou - you can win
Probably not, but there's no reason why he can't start playing tougher. If you're that big, it shouldn't be hard to learn to play physical.
Will it happen? I wouldn't bet on it.
I expect it's quite hard to learn how to play that physical in the NBA - during the season - and not draw massive amounts of fouls - especially as a rookie.
good for Doug....about time
word, thanks
And we're off...Voose looses the tip, but at least he got a finger on leather.
Bad pass, Jrue. Got bailed out.
Not a lot you can do about that shot by LBJ.
Get on the fucking floor, Voose. God damnit. Just bending over, watching the Heat get dirty.
sorry but that 'was' comical. or pitiful i forget which one... heh he looked to have lumbar problems
2 minutes gone and no points yet.
was that really a shooting foul?
6-love start. Wunderbar.
nice pass evan
Great pass, ET, and nice cut by AI9.
Sad thing is Doug, I'm not sure about the mental as much as I am sure about the toughness, if there's any there to begin with.
JRUE 4 3!
JRUE43!!!!!!!!!!!
And then too much fucking room for Chalmers. God damnit.
Not looking good out there. Vuce isn't getting the job done right now.
Defense has picked up right where it left off. Who needs a big who can protect the rim?
Absolutely zero energy. Nada. Zilch.
Trap the sixers, force a turnover...
They can't just sit back and try to stop them in the half court. Get Voose out, put Thad in and start trapping.
Damnit Jrue gotta knock that down
Ah, Jrue. Need that one.
Good look for Jrue again. If they're giving you that, keep taking it.
Three steps too slow, so far. Nice effort jumping to stop that lob to LeBron, Voose.
Weak, weak fucking foul by Turner.
This is bullshit. Get Thad in and start playing harder. Voose has been awful.
Great job tipping the board away from each other.
What an awful start
Turner jam. Three hoops so far, the Jrue three, and two back door dunks.
Fucking Voose.
another fucking TO
And they can't fucking miss
6/6 for LeBron so far.
That is the right idea by Turner. You have to beat that trap with a quick pass.
We are getting absolutely destroyed on both ends.
Split pair?
Nope, hit 'em both. JTI with all 9 points.
Man, Thad looks timid against his old nemesis Joel Anthony. No reason for him to try not to flush that one instead of giving it back to Dre.
Wasn't that Anthony who 'blocked' (fouled) young just two possessions before?
Yep. He fouled Turner as well. Got called for the third one, at least.
Hey - one every three isn't so bad is it?
How about calling more than every third foul - man I know the refs aren't to blame but it really gets tiresome to see the ft differential in every game when the sixers ARE headed to the basket
I hear ya gosixers
Couple of things. First, LeBron looks to pass out of pick and pops. Make him a scorer when Bosh screens for him. If not, Bosh is going to have 40 points tonight.
Second, if you run pick and roll, they will trap. You have to make the quick find to the screener and then good looks are available. Thad can't try to pop like he did when Turner turned it over. There's not enough time for that.
Meeks and Lou at the same time - never good
Fun watching (insert anyone's name here) abuse Lou.
Another backdoor cut for a dunk. They're over-aggressive, keep taking advantage of it.
Ugh, you think Dre can keep LBJ under 70 tonight?
He'll sit the entire fourth at this rate.
Lou was going to shoot that if the whistle wasn't late.
Lou43. OK, get a stop or two, huh?
thad
I hear ya gosixers
Nice work, Thad.
I noticed the other day when I got to the game early that Thad spends like 20 minutes, just working on those pivots. Over and over again, he works on the footwork in the paint.
On the plus side - the heat had 21 points at about 5:45 left in the quarter - so um - the defense tightened up?
How's that a foul on Cole and the play Thad made wasn't?
Doug needs to rip these refs in the press to get some fucking respect
Ripping the refs in the press gets you a fine...telling someone publicly they suck at their job doesn't really make them like you more - and it lightens his wallet...i've never seen public whining from player or coach affect the officials long term...fans just like it.
worked for Phil Jackson
Having some of the best players in the league on your roster, and one of the biggest big men ever probably helped more.
Stars get calls, Phil coaches stars.
Oh did it ever.
Well something has got to give I mean fuck this is crazy
one more pass there thad.
Swallowed whistle.
PHI 18, MIA 31 after one.
not great.
Come the fuck on. Norris Cole gets calls but Lou gets hit and there's no call?
I'm shocked to hear both ESPN heads mention how the sixers seem to keep getting fouled and yet the refs forget how to blow the whistle
- Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.
- They are hitting everything.
- We don't get calls (as usual). Even the ESPN announcers have acknowledged that the Sixers don't get calls ... ever.
You know, that was a foul on Cole. You can't fall down under a guy when he's shooting.
And Lou doesn't get the whistle. fuck me.
Are Yall watching this no calls
I don't advocate public ripping of officials - but drawing a T during a time out wouldn't be out of bounds Doug
lets go ET!!
ET. Get hot, kid.
wade, "I YELL AFTER EVERY SHOT"
Jrue w/ a little runner, haven't seen that before.
How do you just leave him? 21 seconds of sick defense.
Thad just owned Bosh on D.
BLOW THE FUCKING WHISTLE!
Wow - another obvious foul not called on Turner's drive
Turner, hit again. Nada.
Still doesn't excuse Jrue for missing an open Thad on the break. That was a dunk if he held it for a second longer and hit a streaking Thad.
This is pure grade a monkey shit fuck these refs
rooting for the knicks makes me feel dirty.
I was rooting for the heat against the magic the other day - made me feel dirtier than that...the knicks just stinks :)
Evan - if you can't make that on a fast break - you can't take it - empty transition opportunities can't happen this often - not against this team
Thad seems to be playing pretty good defense this game to me
And what's with all the open looks at 3 the past couple games - it's eddie jordan stuff
Damn the Knicks I hope they lose I can't stand them
It really is ridiculous ...
For example the one where Cole went flying. If he gets under Thad he must have been in his way. So you have to blow the fucking whistle. IT'S CONTACT...
Is this what not having a superstar means? Jordan rules in reverse
so #8 gets the call? Jesus
sixers got a whistle?!
About time
AI9, lazy.
Someone want to box out SHANE BATTIER for gods sake
I'd keep doubling Wade here.
Can't have Battier O Board tip ins, Dre.
Vuc is so soft, just saying.
That's what makes him the perfect fit for the sixers big man rotation...it's a requirement
That's the best shot you can get with Battier on you in the post, Voose? Pitiful.
Bad, bad defense Lavoy.
This game is getting to be pretty sad.
I would much rather see Battie right now than Lavoy.
Dougs use of Battie is kind of baffling
Been a long time since the Sixers were demoralized two games in a row. These bigs are beyond pitiful. Haven't gotten a single decent play from any of them. 1/8 so far, and the one was probably a charge by Voose.
Something tells me they're gonna be down 12 the entire game.
DC should try Lavoy at the 4 - Brand can't grip the ball.
Lavoy can't do much of anything, period. If Hawes was available he wouldn't be playing, hell I'd rather him go with Battie
yeah - I'm trying to come up with something
Not a lot you can do with crap - which is what the sixers big man rotation pretty much is
Hey Jrue -= pay attention who you're passing it to - k thx bye
Mental lapses aplenty tonight.
Lavoy deserved.
Wow, small lineup
Great board by ET. No whistle, yet again.
don't think there was contact on that one. lou pussed out and tried to double clutch it.
turner with a touch foul on battier.
Lou double clutched on that one.
Lou didn't get contact there, my bad.
Battier gets a foul call in the fucking post? Good Lord
THAT one was a foul. what the hell.
Thad got hit on the floor there, though. In the face it seems.
Mike Tirico - Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young look nothing alike
That's thad, not turner...
I figure he was going by numbers and spoonered it, but still
Meeks bricks a wide-open three. Awesome.
Nice pass Lou. Jodie way off. Sigh.
When Meeks can't hit that shot, there's really no point putting him on the floor.
I don't think I've ever seen this team this lifeless.
We can't win this game. We win by our energy level. Nothing is going our way, energy is down, so there's no way we'll win. It's simple as that. :/
Two straight games with flat energy is disappointing - and concerning
Phew - changed the channel before seeing that cabin in the woods trailer
Guess I don't have to worry about missing any of the Temple game
I think Jrue's scared to drive
He looked scared on that left-handed drive
Get Jodie out. You can't play him and Lou against a Wade-LBJ lineup.
Don't think it really matters at this point. They folded.
The sixers are 16-8 at home - anyone know how many of those 24 games ahve been against teams with winning road records?
This is fucking disgraceful. Just not turn up for the second half.
Yup. I get that they aren't as good. Their effort and mental focus have been unacceptable tonight though.
I never mind that they aren't that good. I freaking lose it when I see them give up out there.
If Doug only knew he was speaking an oxymoron pre-tip. Oh, the irony...
Looks like its going to be a early night
Sam Young!
Finally to the line. And Iggy of all people.
sam young!!!!!
Hi there Sam Young - um - 1 on 3?
Ah, welcome to the team Sam!
How does the trailing official have to make that call?
Man - in this game - i'm not sure what's going on with the officials
Sam Young misses the first FT. Already feels like he belongs.
That is NOT how you defend Mr Wade
Seriously, losing by less than 10 to this team really is a modest goal - isn't it?
Lou for one!
Nah, just another Meeks brick.
ugh, jodie.....
I look forward to next season when Jodie Meeks is on another roster
I was away for a week, but has Jodie been this bad?
Can't believe Jrue sagging off there at the end. Just give Chalmers a walk up three, don't you?
PHI 30, MIA 57 at the half.
A chorus of boos. And they are well deserved.
How did Jrue not know Chalmers was just going to pull up for that three?
This could have been the worst quarter by any Sixers team I have ever seen.
This game is over I'm glad I didnt get tickets to this game
booed off the court at halftime - this game will be good for morale
unbelievable how many missed layups with a lot of contact. did they change the rules or something?
I think the fans en masse should decide to spend the second half mocking Lebron James hairline and beard...cause that would be fun
I think they should beat the traffic. Let all the lifelong Heat fans in attendance enjoy the second half. I say start Noc.
Let's go with Lou, Meeks, Young, Noc, Allen to start the second half - let em play all 24 minutes
Maybe I can watch Duke struggle with Lehigh - up only 2 at the half - funny
I think Doug has already conceded. Did you see that lineup? Iguodala, Meeks, Williams, Sam Young, Jrue. I know it was just before half, but c'mon.
I just thought it reeked of desperation, looking for anybody to just give him a little bit of something.
think you're right
The crazy thing about shooting 11/44 in the first half is that they weren't really settling for jumpers. Not nearly as much as they usually do. I think they're like 4/30 inside 10 feet.
You know - if the Heat committed fouls I bet you the sixers would have a better shooting percentage - I mean all those missed shots become free throw attemps, they may have gotten up to 35% :)
I didn't watch all of the pacers game, only the last half of the third and fourth, it discouraged me from starting the game from the beginning, but they seemed quite unergetic from what I saw then, and tonight of course. Again it's not the losing, I don't expect them to beat Miami, but it's the effort, two games in a row, that's concerning to me...
Love hearing my team called "chicken soup" on the teevee. And Magic & Wilbon chuckling about how bad they are - unbearable.
I admire the fortitude of your ears, I can't watch those guys talk any mroe
Does ESPN have anybody good for hoops?? Tirico doesn't know the game at all. He talks about everything but.
I have said it before, I'll say it again, ESPN's NBA reporters might be the worst, top to bottom, of any sport they cover, that includes the NHL
I hated hearing that as well. But they have looked rubbish today. I would call them worst names in a fit of anger.
The fact that they deserve it makes it that much worse. wonder what Doug is saying. He probably locked himself in a stall.
if they game isnt within 10 at the end of the quarter i would rest the guys for tomorrow
*the
Over under for closest the Sixers make the game in the second half is 18. What do you have?
9.
Wow. Optimist.
20
I'll take the under...but only in garbage time - they'll get it down to like fifteen
What a gutless first half effort by the Sixers. Talk about playing like you know you're gonna lose. Bunch of pussies when they play this team.
Anyone want to do the rotations chart in the second half? Not sure I can stomach it.
noooooooope.
Sorry - My advice is to tape the second half and attack it some other time - no one would blame you if the post game lacks it but you know you want it for continuity...if you tape the second half you can just fast forward to stops and check for subs.
Unless you wanna trust the ESPN game logs :)
This is why we have to blow this team up. Not based on this one game but the Sixers are so outclassed when they play some of the better teams its not funny. The Sixers are really not "up and coming"--they are a slightly above average--38-44 win team. Been that way for a decade.
They are going to have to become really bad before they can become really good. Certainly not easy to fix.
Talk about a drastic over reaction. This team has holes - yes - holes a team like the heat can exploit
The heat are also one of the three best teams IN THE LEAGUE - so try not to freak out as usual. The sixers front court is soft - the sixers just found a starting two guard, and the sixers bench really has no defenders...they have quality pieces that need to be added to, and they have the ability to do that in the off season, blowing it up is a gross over reaction
Dude you are delusional. Have you watched the Sixers last 15-20 games ? What do you think this is a 50-60 win team ?
There is such a huge gap between the Sixers and the Heat and Chicago its not funny. Isn't the goal to win a championship ?
Or is it to be hovering around 500 every year(or worse) ?
I'm not going to answer you much because you rant and rave and put words in peoples mouths constantly, if you read this blog consistently you'll know what I think about the sixers.
Who in the east is competitive with the bulls and heat out of curiosity? Who is on their way up and going to compete with these two teams soon (in my opinion, no one)
I think you exist, even more than I'm accused of, to only say bad things about the sixers, to play the WIP voice, and to over react to one game...I've been watching the sixers all season, but I watch with a dispassionate eye - do you know what that means?
I would say Orlando could give one of these teams a much better run then the Sixers. So could Indiana, even Boston with a lot of rest. All Im saying is out of the entire 30 team NBA---Sixers are sitting MAYBE the 10-13 range.
Its been that way for a REALLY long time. It gets old. Its the reason why no one goes to see the Sixer games.
If the Sixers were a 15-20 win team for 3 years wouldnt you take it if they could become a consistent 50-60 win team for 5 years after that ?
I stopped reading when you named 3 teams with no shot in a 7 game series against thee bulls or heat come playoff time.
The celtics - jesus - you work for ESPN?
I said a better shot than the Sixers...I didn't say win.
Don't let the facts interfere with your reply.
And Orlando is flat out better than Philly.
He didn't say they were a 50 win team. He said you were wrong to say the team was "so outclassed by good teams that it's not even funny." He's right too.
And they REALLY get up for the Sixers. We have had the great misfortune of playing these guys at home TWICE this season after the Heat had been playing like ass for a while. They know that - with the Sixers athleticism and defensive ability - they need to share the ball to play well...and 10 assists on their first 10 made FG's will telly you that they got off to a good start tonight.
(they also know that if they punch us in the mouth, we'll fold)
This team does not need to be blown up - they just need someone with a sack to lead them. Turner has the attitude...he's done it at every level until now...we better pray he's the guy, 'cause if he's not, he ain't on this team...and that's a REALLY important guy to have. He doesn't have to be a superstar (someone like a Tyson Chandler would help), but he has to be able to at least win his matchup on the floor against a good team.
Sack from a guard doesn't mean much if you have a bunch of pussy big men.
Agree, bro...although Wade and Pierce do a pretty good job of carrying their sack on the floor, and they're not 6'10". That's all I'm saying.
Don't know if it is Collins or DiLeo that believes that we should focus more on athleticism and offense, versus a guy who can lay some wood. It is easy to second-guess Speights versus Hibbert, but trading for Hawes and drafting Vuc speaks to a focus on a particular type of big - offensively skilled, but with no "dog" in them (to quote B-Dawk).
We need one of those guys fo' sure.
That's not what he was saying, Wade and Pierce have better physical big men than the sixers do :)
Amen.
Don't buy that they 'get up' for the sixers - they're just THAT MUCH BETTER than every team in the east not named the bulls when they have their roster complete.
Came home tonight to see us down 27 and to see that Lebron has already scored 18 points. What's with Iguodala? He has been very sloppy lately.
I say we make a comeback and only lose by 20 to them
Allen starting the second half.
The captain of the titanic approves
Good start.
Jrues play in this game could POLITELY be called lethargic in terms of ball handling, what the hell
Whens the last time two players on the same team got at triple double in the same game?
carter and kidd i forget what year
Another turnover.
They're just playing terribly. Where the hell is the team they've been most of the season, the unforced errors tonight is just awful
What number was Faried drafted?
22nd according to wikipedia
It would suck to have him.
It's been a long day - but I'm assuming that's sarcasm :)
22
always liked him, he was a Reggie+ type guy, and it's always good to have one of them around
the collection of pussies v2.0.
b2b games and pow here they are again
they never even consider lighting the fuse, much less blowing it up ... so frustrating for so long
that last mention was toward the FO
Where has blowing it up worked in the NBA without extreme lottery luck?
BLowing it up requires helps - requires takers from other teams to take what you want to get rid of...They could probably get rid of Iguodala and Young this off season, let Hawes Meeks and Lou walk and amnesty brand...but then what?
now they're talking about the Knicks. wtf?
Just do the game.
The game is boring and a blow out - what would you like them to say - the sixers continue to play like crap?
It's something they always do and I hate it. What would you like me to say?
Nothing...national broadcasters cater to a national audience, the knicks have more fans nationwide (and interest) than the sixers...there are things going on with them and like it or not, regardless of record, the knicks have a higher q rating than the sixers...it's ridiculous to get angry or bothered - it's the nature of the beast
Hell this is a sixers blog and we got people asking about Kenneth Faried :)
Iguodala got raped on that one. No whistle.
Is Burke our personal color analyst or something? this is 3 straight I think
Well they second game probably got a better broadcasting team, plus the sunday team is probably already at their location...hell I bet the first round NCAA womens games tomorrow got a better broadcasting team than this game :)
And Jrue got hammered on that one.
You know what you need to do, is really fucking plant LeBron and/or Wade the next time they drive. I mean fucking hammer them. If the refs are going to swallow the whistles on one end, you take it out on the Heat.
Well it's not really the Heats fault, me, on a fast break i'd lose control of the ball and run over a ref trying to get it :)
If they aren't blowing the whistle, you get more physical. They're asking to lose control of the game, so you start hurting people.
Then players get ejected and suspended - and fined - which is not good either
Would it really be bad for the Sixers if someone like Lavoy got suspended? Or Voose?
If it back fires on you and the refs start calling the sixers even more closely in terms of fouls - yes - you can't predict the outcome...if they think you're thugs - they'll call you as thugs - this isn't the 90s with the bad boys - nba players are fragile china dolls these days
You've got one team hacking away instead of playing defense on the inside. Return the favor. That's what I'm saying. Return the favor with a little more oomph.
Just not my style of thinking that's all - agree to disagree ;)
Sound strategy.
i guess they changed the rules and i missed it. apparently its now legal to hack the fuck out of a sixer at the rim.
Utter disrespect for the supposed game of basketball. Flat disgrace. Sham.
If they could just show a pair here to end this game it'd do me good.
Dear god, at this point - just get it below 20
Sweet walk, Voose.
Ugh, waxing poetic about the trailblazers that never happened, that's what happens when you draft a guy with no cartilage in his knees and give him 80 million folks..
The sixers have a bigger q rating than the blazers - and that story is just a pet peeve of mine because 'ignoring injury history' is one of those things that announcers do that drive me crazy
sixers getting physical. i like it.
Man, the Heat's speed is just too much for the Sixers.
I hate seeing a guy have inside position for a board and just allow himself to get pushed under the hoop.
i also hate the ball being bobbled THREE TIMES before bouncing around and somehow hitting a miami player in the numbers.
happens to Voose a lot.
See, that LeBron drive right there, why not put a hard foul on him? Fucking finesse defense while you're getting beaten to a pulp on the other end.
No one on the sixers can actually hurt lebron - dudes a freaking brick out house...even pushing Iguodala around like he's nothing
UNDER TWENTY
Hey look - Voose did something in a crowd
Well, at least he went away from Turner/Meeks/Lou. I feel better w/ Iguodala/Meeks/Lou, but not much better.
I never feel good when Meeks and lou are on the floor at the same time
I know the shot got blocked - but how about calling the travel on #31
And Voose gives a fucking PUSSY foul for the +1. Fun while it lasted.
Dumb shot voose - don't do that again
Probably say it was after the clock.
Oh yeah, that's three shots Mr. Official.
.1 on the clock, three freebies is what it should be.
Alright Lou, be a boss
We really needed those points Lou. Fuck
Lou - are you KIDDING me?
1-3 for Lou. That's a fucking killer. Needed all three.
Great job, Lou.
PHI 56, MIA 69 after three.
1/3 from the line, had a chance to make it 11 heading into the fourth. Just great.
Our starting PG is 3-16 with ZERO assists in 27 minutes. Shocking.
I'm really tempted to watch this duke lehigh thing instead - closer game
Well, if they hold MIA to 12 points again in the fourth, they've got an outside chance of losing a close game.
Jesus, Jrue is 3/16.
Lous 2 for 8
Hey Evan
How'd you like to show up to a game against a really good team?
Like when he was awesome against the Heat earlier in the year?
He wasn't starting then, and the sixers got waxed in the game (cause the sixers get waxed by the heat)
So good games don't count when you play on the bench and basically carry the team?
One good game in a seas of crap doesn't really indicate anything - this is turners 'hot streak' that everyone has been excited about - and when people point out that it was mostly against bad teams they are shouted down...here was his chance to show this 'run' was for real and he's played like garbage - and I'm sure excuses will be made - I wasn't ready to get all excited after 4 or 5 games, and this is way, he's no where tonight
Voose tipped that one in.
Ugggh, the Turner / Lou / Meeks lineup to start the quarter
Voose is such a pussy.
Voose tipped that damn thing in
Lou show.
WTF Lou.
God you suck jodie
5 TO's on Turner, just can't happen against this team
Shouldn't happen against any team...
And those missed freebies ended the run permanently?
Blown bunny, Lou.
Doris Burke is right though - he avoided the contact, thus making the shot harder than it needed to be AND not getting free throws...DRAW the contact whether you make or miss, put the heat closer to the penalty
(After three, the sixers had actually taken more free throws than the heat according to ESPN.com)
You fucking piece of shit LOU
For a guy that gets a lot of contact, Lou is very scared of any contact in transition when a guy is flying at him. Really the contact can only be ticky tack, on his terms.
The Sixers don't have five guys on their roster who I'd like to see on the floor right now.
Doris Burke just made a good point. When the sixers go to the paint, they are avoiding contact instead of initiating it.
JEsus - what ever happened to screaming SAME when two guys go for a rebound Evan and Elton?
If anything, the effort has been splendid in this half.
Jinx
You owe me a coke
DAMN it - someone has to grab that rebound - Elton not being able to jump is ridiculous
Meeks3.
Get it under 10, then we'll talk. Great hustle by Thad.
So talk
WEll they're at least scrapping and showing that energy that was missing in the first half - but why wasn't it there in the first half.
About time jodie
You realize the whistles will start once the game gets anywhere near being in question, right?
I love Will Smith standing up giving some support to the team.
I love fans who buy tickets and have that a bigger part of their income getting shown a team that fights even when down over 20 more than I care about the multi million dollar owner who shows up every once in a while
If that Jodie three went down...
Wade and LeBron taking turns taking hero shots. Get a hoop here, please.
5!!!!!!
OK, I'm excited. GET THIS FUCKING GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh baby, what a break on the Wade gamble! Stay with this lineup. ET-Jodie-AI9-Thad-EB. They deserve to close it.
Doug seems to be an advocate of 'go with the ones who brung' you coaching in a game like this. I don't expect a substitution unless someone is gassed (like Elton possibly)
Agreed. Please just hit the next open three you get, Jodie. Because you're going to get another one.
Turner making a 3, even an open one, I mean if you believe in fate or destiny - it makes you think
Fuck, Jodie slipped.
Fuck. A cunt's hair away from a turnover turns into a layup.
ET!
If the trap in the fourth quarter i completely disruptive why wasn't it used in the first 3 quarters?
Damn - jodie slipped on the floor - would have ben another fast break instead a chalmers 2
Wade just told Turner to suck his dick. Or asked him to.
Evan talking smack to Mr Wade - come on dude :)
ET! He was fouled, too.
He's lucky that posession lasted - he almost passed it to no one earlier
Offense after a made basket (first opportunity) not so good - some scrambling turned into sixer ball - but gotta find a post up man - just one - low post - PLEASE
and DEFEND HASLEM FOR GODS SAKE
how was that not a fucking and 1
I hate how good the Heat's bench is against the Sixers. Haslem had been folding like a cheap suit lately. Now, hitting open and contested jumpers like its no big thing.
I know Haslem is good at that shot but come on.
I've been kinda tuned out tonight, has Turner mostly been matched on Wade? He's 6-16 tonight... crazy.
Jodie, didn't need that. You weren't open. Fuck. Get a stop here, please.
Airball Jodie? COME ON
There's a rim and net up there.
Bail out, AI9. Dumb, dumb one. Gotta be smarter than that.
Don't know if anyone noticed, but Lou came in for Jodie
Terrible shot out of the timeout.
EB.
that hurts.
Get a hoop!
Win this fucking jump, EB.
A. CALL some damn fouls
B. Who is that dude RIGHT next to the sixers bench pounding the floor - he's a fan - not a part of the roster
Attaboy, ET. Run it through him, Doug.
That's the first fucking foul on Miami in this quarter.
Heat have ZERO fouls in the fourth are you kidding me?
Before the turner drive
They. Are. Free.
Fuck me. Missed both. That's just horrible.
Is Evan Turner the best player at getting to the basket on this roster (the other option is Lou in my mind)
Jesus - MORE missed free throws - damn it tk
Missed them both, goddamnit
The heat accomadate
Get the board if he misses this second one.
Doris was right- Lou and Evan leaving 4 big ones on the board. Just horrible.
For the love of God the missed free throws.
*broken record
Lou needs to be out of the game. I'm sorry, but he's done jack shit. I'd rather have Jodie standing out there looking for a kick out.
Honestly - I'd rather have Jrue in there because defensively he provides more
Lou spits in your eye
good call
Brand has been hustling like mad in the second half.
Like I said, Lou iso w/ LeBron on him.
Then lou proves your point with that quick 3 - DUMB posession
Quick three attempt by Lou, fuck you Louis
And quick Lou three after LeBron misses the hero shot. Why switch Thad onto him again?
HE DID NOT GET OVER in 8 seconds TOTAL BULL SHIT
Damned close to 8 seconds there. I'd like to see a replay.
That was 8 seconds. Can't they fucking review that?
Nope - so aggravating - honestly - with all the technology available - you can have the dude sitting at the scorers table make the 8 second call...aggravating
Well - I wanted them to lose by less than 10 - they did that
Doug is upset with Iguodala for not giving the foul - but Iguodala forced a turnover in my mind - the refs just ignored it
that was risky and he should've got the whistle. you know he heard collins too
No - you don't know he heard that - there were 18-20 thousand people screaming their damn asses off - you don't know what he heard - someone else could have ran up to foul him if they heard him...Iguodala was focused on defending Lebron, forcing a turnover WHICH HE DID if the officialls could count to 8 - 20,000 screaming fans (close to) and focus might make it hard to hear one old man yelling from 30 feet away
You know it's not your day when LeBron hits a shot in the last 2 mins. And goes 2-2 from the line next possession.
Really will? really? You're a part owner....
What did he do? I changed the channel to get some joy from duke losing in the first round once lou missed that last 3
Was buddying up with D-wade after the game ended, had a big smile on his face when high fiving with D-wade. Also someone needs to tell him it's time to stop with the sideways hats.
I figured it was something like that - don't really care about crap like that - it's not the 80s folks - they all interact constantly - they're all friends - no big deal to me - and Duke looks like they're going down early - all that 'DUke UK rematch' crap can SUCK IT
PHI 78, MIA 84 Final.
PHI 48, MIA 27 in the second half.
Great effort in the second half, but they play two halves.
Wow. That's less than the Sixers scored in the first half.
Anybody else think Turner got in Wade's head a little? He always has that I-really-don't-give-a-shit look on his face. Can be irritating, especially when you're a superstar who expects hero worship from everybody.
fuck
Gdog, still think they were that much outclassed? They played like dogshit and lost by 6 to the Heat.
Really, the only positive was that the Sixers gave a great effort in the second half. They gave none of that in the first half, and that's inexcusable. The defense was awesome in the 2nd Half, but it was just horrible in the 1st.
I can't believe how tentative they were offensively. The Heat play great defense, but man they missed everything at the rim.
Yet they lost by six when LeBron was as good as he'll be. What?
The sixers big men have got to be a priority in the off season - there's no one on this roster I really want them to rely on next season.
Be surprised to see him reply to you as the sixers showed heart and grit and determination in the second half - strengthening the - need some pieces not blow it up argument (though he wasn't the only one advocating blowing it up in the first half).
The front office should be focusing NOW at ways to improve that big man awfulness in the off season.
Heart? Grit? Determination? You've never believed in such bull, no? Gathered pieces aside.
Probably the wrong words, caught up in the moment.
They played with Energy and Focus in the second half, which I didn't see in the second half of the Pacers game or the first half of the Heat game (I hate the all caps thing).
I believe in Energy and Focus :)
I never said I didn't believe in such things by the way, I said you can't determine who has heart watching a guy on a tv, it's that whole 'he looks like he doesn't care' thing I don't buy into :)
The sixers legitimately seemed to be playing with no energy or focus that's all - I think most would agree
Game to game.
Half to half.
Quarter to quarter.
Sequence to sequence.
Basketball tends to be a prisoner of the moment game huh?
Hypocrite much?
Has Lou taken and missed more terrible crunch time shots than Dre yet? Cause it feels that way. Would've liked to see ET get a shot at it.
Would have been nice I guess, but ET is a bad 3 point shooter.
So - the bulls can beat the heat handily without Derrick Rose but having trouble with Portland...what is it with this 'new coach energy' thing?
Darryl Morey is looking into changing head coaches every game. His numbers tell him it would be a very effective strategy.
Actually he's talking to the lehigh head coach right now :)
btw, Turner had Wade all night...and out-played him.
felt that way too. not sure if the stats back it up, but turner kept it front of him all night and didn't give up anything easy
Wade didn't have a good shooting night (neither did Evan) but Evans defense effort was nice...it stops his 'scoring streak' whatever it was but even though I called him out earlier tonight (he was 3 for 8) I did like the way he played...sinking that open 3 was a gift...I prefer he head towards the basket. I think that ET is the guy who can get to the basket and finish, maybe even better than Lou. Iguodala never really has problems getting to the basket he's just a horrible finisher :)
that's something to take from this game - huge
Even when his shooting wasn't great too. That's a really big positive. Thought his defensive effort was consistently pretty good all night.
It's funny, and I'm not blaming you personally - but on nights when iguodalas defense has been stellar but his offense hasn't been there - people would shred it - nice to see a different tone coming through :)
I've always praised Iguodala's defense when it's good, as it usually is. Not tonight though. LBJ had his way.
Defense was decent in the 2nd half. I didn't watch the 1st half, but I guess it was sloppy. I think Lebron had 18 in the 1st half and 10 in the 2nd (2 points coming off free throws)
Jesus, we took 93 shots tonight. 19 more than the Heat.
Overall, defense was stellar. Tale of two halves, though.
DFR in first half: 111.89
DFR in second half: 65.94
DFR for the game: 91.41
OFR in first half: 58.89
OFR in second half: 117.24
OFR for the game: 84.88
So many "ifs." Ugh.
How many points did the Sixers lose to really really bad calls? 20?
I hate saying stuff like this, especially cuz they did play really poorly, but this game was atrociously officiated IMO.
Yep. The refs were bad. I'm surprised the Sixers didn't get a tech or two.
It was - but if they had played in the first half with the energy they played in the secondhalf it would not have mattered.
They played 2 great quarters - and 2 horrible ones - regardless of the officiating...top to bottom no one was good in the first half offensively, and with 5:45 to go in the first quarter the heat already had 21 points.
I don't know if Lebron stopped shooting after his first quarter run or did the sixers change what they were doing with him - he seemed to be mostly missing the rest of the game
yeah, that's really it
I wanted them to lose by less than 10 - they lost by less than 10 - mission accomplished :)
Let's look back...
Thaddeus Young taking jumpers to start the season. Now it's a reliable shot after it looked like a lost cause.
Evan Turner taking a year and a half to find his rhythm in the NBA. Now he's probably the most effective offensive player on the team.
The 76ers losing close game after close game after close game. Eventually, they are bound to turn the corner too, right?
This is a different type of close game. They don't usually dig much of a hole at all, much less a crater.
Can't really make a lot of this one and put it into any specific category, I think.
They're usually the ones that are playing from behind late in games and in that regard tonight was the same late in the fourth. They definitely had their opportunities. I'm not even going to put it on the four miss freebies because they had a good dozen possession that they did not make the most of or were net negatives.
Hey Blazers, Thanks for showing up for the Bulls and playing like worthless crap against Boston and NY.
It's just that new coach smell
Mike Woodson is the next Jeremy Lin?
Until the pacers win tomorrow night?
I think this was Jrue's worst game as a pro.
Turner played well in the 4th. He can't piss away two FT's late in the game like that but the team was probably exhausted at that point.
Lou's shot selection continues to impress.
Did Jrue even play in the 4th?
Those free throw misses by Lou and Turner were huge. Although Wade, Lebron and Haslem combined for 7 misses as well.
Don't think so - it was meeks until he air balled the 3 and then lou came in while the heat shot free throws - right?
Jrue's currently, yet to be determined long term, stunted by the ET to the point movement at the present. In his noggin and more pertinently his role.
He was vacuous for a lengthy portion late tonight. And has been the duration of ET's recent run sans a hot shooting night versus Indiana.
*one funny note
When the Sixers cut the lead to 15, Lavoy was called for a foul and then was taken out of the game. I saw a white guy with a sleeve on his arm on the next play and I thought it was Nocioni. I was infuriated.
Weird note of the day
Following Milwaukee's acquisition of Monta Ellis, the Nets offered a trade of Brook Lopez, according to Ric Bucher while on KNBR Radio. The Bucks turned down that trade and decided to keep Ellis. Ellis is known to be a player Dwight Howard wants to play with. RealGM
At least weird to me.
That would have been fun to watch.
It would go against Billy King's rationale for the Gerald Wallace trade. Basically he said that with Lopez returning coupled with the Wallace acquisition, the Nets have a complete team. Which in his opinion is more important than getting some "name" in the top of the draft.
I know this was a good game, but it was a 5 point game with more than 5 minutes left in the game. The Sixers could have pulled through. I'm not going to bitch too much since it was the Miami Heat that they were playing against.
If he's still there when the Sixers pick, they're crazy and foolish not to take Draymond Green. Unbelievable value that late.
He's exactly one of two things the team needs.
Dependent upon who eventually comes out obviously...
I'm not familiar.
You should be as much as you appreciate the overall game. He's a beast, does everything, and well at all. Has range and just unmatched smarts. Understands concepts exceedingly, most importantly at that position, which is rare. He's the total package for a four man. He can be the unheard of 1) prototypical stretch four and 2)on the block four man...... that can shoot and pass his ass off to boot, not to mention defend adequately. Competitive desire notably consistent, along with focused communication and leadership qualities.
Sounds like gushing but it's really not, I've just watched him grow over time to something I never imagined was possible after first seeing him.
Is he big enough to play the four? Why four years in college? Those are the two questions that jump out at me right away.
As I said I couldn't imagine, it's a blessing he stayed four years. I don't want to pigeonhole him then and have you zero in on that, measurables speak nothing of his overall game. He may not have a set position but his impact on the court tangibly and especially intangibly is of extreme value. I'd play him at the four, but not in the usual definition of that label. Like a Dejuan Blair but much more well-rounded, and capable of being a focal point for offense to run through, or end with. He's like a tweener banger version of what Derrick Williams was last year coming out, except with way more IQ. And likely a better shot.
I'm not trying to trap you, just really don't know anything about him. Saw 6'6" 235, which sounds small to be a PF to me, but it's probably not much different from Faried's measurements. Those are the two red flags I saw. I always worry about guys who stay in if they stayed in because they weren't talented enough, but their production in their JR/SR year is so good they look like solid pros. Not saying that's the case here, just why I asked the question.
I'd be very happy if they could get someone, anyone who can finish and play some physical ball in the paint with this draft pick. Thought Lavoy might at least be able to steal some minutes and give you a little bit of that, but he's looking more and more lethargic. Voose keeps looking softer and softer.
Honestly, I think they need three guys for their front court rotation, unless they can get a guy like Howard.
Hah, Voose soft and Lavoy lethargic. Good words.
Green is mostly a finesse offensive player. Shoots a lot of jumpers. Great rebounder though.
I think he could be a good rotation guy off the bench at best. Don't think he's a starter or anything. Great college player and teammate, but there are a lot of questions. Maybe like a Craig Smith type of player, or a Hansbrough with a better feel for the game.
He can't be either a prototypical stretch four (Don't think he shoots NBA threes) or an on the block guy, because he has no low post game at all really and is a poor athlete. Great passer though. He reminds me a lot of Hawes on the offensive end, something they certainly have.
He's also only 6'7, so I'd think there are problems on the defensive end, at least as an individual defender. Like, he'd have no way of guarding a quick guy like Thad (admittedly a tough matchup) or a guy with a back to the basket game. Seems to be a pretty good team defender and rebounder though. Maybe like a shorter Brand who rebounds better on that end.
Currently Draft Express ranks him 30th in seniors, 99th prospect overall...he might be available after the draft is over
Chad Ford (less credibility than DX to me) doesn't even have him in the top 100 prospects.