February 22nd, 2012 at 5:08 PM
By Ian Kingsbery
Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol (R) of Spain drives to the basket by Oklahoma City Thunder's James Harden (L) during the second half of Game 4 of their
NBA Western Conference playoff series in Memphis, Tennessee May 9, 2011. REUTERS/Mark Weber (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT
BASKETBALL)
1/21/12 – The Sixers lost to the
Memphis Grizzlies for their fourth loss in a row. With Spencer Hawes still out, and Elton Brand set to miss the next two games, the undersized Philly lineup was even more
shorthanded. Rarely used F Andres Nocioni was inserted into the starting lineup, and things went from looking bad to worse. After the 1st quarter the Sixers were down 30-10 and their offensive struggles continued. They weren't penetrating their lane and their shots weren't falling at all. For the game they shot a dreadful 37% and turned the ball over 14 times. From then on they had to battle their way back but it was for naught. The final score was 89-76.
Jrue actually had a decent game, but no one else could be given any accolades. And to make things worse former 76er bust Mareese Speights actually had a pretty good game. Granted they have their injuries that are really effecting their game, but the season that started out so well is starting the look a little grim as the offense appears stale and stagnant. The glaring holes in their roster are becoming more apparent with each tough loss.
Read more... Join the Conversation... February 20th, 2012 at 12:16 AM
By Ian Kingsbery
Minnesota Timberwolves Kevin Love (L) celebrates with teammates Wayne Ellington(22) and Ricky Rubio after beating the Los Angeles Clippers with his last second three pointer at Staples Center January 20, 2012. The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 101-98. UPI/Jon SooHoo
2/19/12 – Following Friday night's tough loss to the Mavericks the Sixers looked to rebound tonight and start off their 4 game road trip on a good note. They traveled all the way to the Target Center to take on the rejuvenated franchise of the Minnesota Timberwolves. They have an excellent new coach in Rick Adelman and a young talented roster. For the Sixers they were looking to keep up their success on the road so far this season, having won 3 out of their last 4. It was important for them to get out of their current offensive slump. For this to happen they needed improved play from PG
Jrue Holiday and the starters in general. In the 2nd half of Friday night's game, not one Philly starter recorded a field goal.
Jrue needs to drive to the hoop more and stop worrying so much about being a distributor. Tonight's matchup would be important for
Jrue as he lined up across from one of the league most talked about young players in Ricky Rubio. The Sixers have had success against the T-Wolves, having won the teams' last 3 meetings. In those three games Iggy has averaged 20.3 ppg, 8.7 apg, 6.3 apg, with Elton Brand averaging 18 ppg. To get a win tonight it would be important for these two to put up numbers.
Read more... Join the Conversation... February 18th, 2012 at 12:13 AM
By Ian Kingsbery
(L-R) Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion, guard Jason Kidd, guard Jason Terry and forward Dirk Nowitzki stand with the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy before the start of their
NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Dallas, Texas December 25, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT
BASKETBALL)
2/17/12 – After going 2-1 on their quick 3 game road trip, the Sixers returned home Friday night to take on the defending World Champion Dallas Mavericks. This is just a brief stop at home before they take back to the road for the next four, but a win tonight would be huge for the Sixers. As of late
Philadelphia has started to cool off from their hot start to the season, going 4-4 in their last 8 games. In their game last Wednesday against the Magic they struggled mightily. Not only could they not stop Orlando's 3 point barrage, but their offense struggled as well. They had trouble establishing a rhythm in the half-court and turned the ball over way too much.
Jrue Holiday probably had his worst game as a 76er, shooting 1-8 and committing 5 turnovers. The Sixers' offensive struggles of late can be attributed to missing starting Center Spencer Hawes. His nagging injuries have been a factor all season. He has recently seen another specialist for his achilles injury and has been seen wearing a walking boot. Hawes isn't expected to return to the lineup until after the All-Star break. This season they are 12-2 when he plays and 8-8 when he doesn't. Without him in the lineup the Sixers need to find another way, besides the fastbreak, to get the offense going in order to get wins over top teams. Tonight they have the opportunity to do, at home in S. Philly at the Wells Fargo Center. But in their last 4 games at home they are 1-3, scoring only 85.3 ppg and getting out-rebounded by 8.2 pg. For the Sixers to stay atop the East, We Must Protect this House!
Read more... Join the Conversation... February 15th, 2012 at 10:21 PM
By Ian Kingsbery
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu (R) celebrates after teammate forward Ryan Anderson (L) hits a three pointer during the second half of their
NBA basketball game in Orlando January 1, 2012. The Magic beat the Raptors 102 - 96. REUTERS/Kevin Kolczynski (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT
BASKETBALL)
1/15/12 – With a win tonight the Sixers would sweep their three-game road trip. However that would first require defeating Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. In the teams' last meeting back in January, the Sixers played incredibly on defense and propelled them to a victory 74-69. Orlando was missing guards Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson, shot terribly, and was going through a bit of a losing streak. This time around, the Sixers will face a Magic team that is playing much better
basketball. Since their meeting in January the Magic have won 6 of their last 8 games, both losses coming in overtime. The return of Richardson to the lineup has been key for the turnaround, who is averaging 18.1 ppg during this stretch. The Sixers would need to bring their 'A' game in order to pull out a win down in Orlando at the Amway Center.
Read more... Join the Conversation... February 11th, 2012 at 10:30 PM
By Ian Kingsbery
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins stands near the bench in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 11, 2012. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 85-79. UPI/John Angelillo
2/11/12 – In tonight's game the Sixers were looking to rebound off of two straight home losses. And they would have the opportunity to do so on the road. Their three-game road trip began tonight in Cleveland at the Quicken Loans Arena against an inferior opponent in the Cavaliers. At 10-15 they actually have done much better than expected this season, largely due to the effort of #1 overall pick rookie Kyrie Irving. The likely rookie of the year candidate has really impressed and gotten the most out of his teammates to give Cleveland some decent wins this year over the Mavericks, L.A. Clippers, Celtics, and Knicks. However, earlier this week Irving went down with a concussion and won't be in the lineup in tonight's game. Once again, the Sixers catch a break.
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