The Inside Hoop

Kobe, Lakers Final--ly Won't Be Denied

2009-06-04T20:24:00.004-04:00

The endless waiting is nearly over. The dream matchup—LeBron and the Cavs vs. Kobe and the Lakers-- has crashed and burned,.brought down in a hail of Orlando Magic 3-pointers.

But what we’re left with in the NBA Finals which gets underway just hours from now, isn’t so bad. There’s still Kobe, aiming once again to win it all without Shaq as the lead dog, convinced this time the crown will be his.

And then there’s the upstart Magic, a team which goes against convention by shooting the three at every opportunity—even though they have the game’s most dominant big man, Dwight Howard.

Orlando wasn’t supposed to be here. Why the Magic wasn’t even a sure thing to make it out of the first round, where they trailed the Sixers 2-1, needing Hedo Turkoglu’s last second 3-pointer to pull out Game 4. After finally putting Philly away in six they found themselves trailing the reigning champion Celtics 3-2 and facing elimination, before coming on strong to win the final two games and advance.

Next it was LeBron and the supposedly mighty Cavaliers, who had merely cruised through the first two series without losing a game. It was supposed to be a given the Cavs were headed to the Finals, especially after King James turned certain defeat into an improbable Game 2 victory to even the series.

Instead, as the series wore on it became more and more obvious Orlando was the better team and there was little LeBron & Co. could do to stop them.

Now can the Lakers, who feature a far more formidable front line than the Cavs? With Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom all capable of banging with Howard inside on defense, while keeping him honest at the other end, L.A.. presents far more imposing matchups.

And if that’s not enough the Lakers are big enough, quick enough and athletic enough to make sure Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and emerging sixth man Mikael Pietrus don’t have open target practice from beyond the arc.

Assuming they can keep the Magic from raining down treys the way they did against Cleveland, the Lakers should be in good shape. Undoubtedly, “Superman” Howard and his friends—which may include all-star point guard Jameer Nelson playing for the first time since what was supposed to be season-ending shoulder surgery—will have their moments.

That figures to be particularly the case when the series shifts to Disney World for Games 3,4 and 5. As the playoffs have evolved the Magic have become tougher to beat on their home court, having taken two of three from both Philly and Boston, then all three from Cleveland at Amway Arena.

Remember during the Finals, it’s a 2-3-2 format, meaning both the first two and last two would be played at Staples Center. Only twice since the format changed has the home team won the middle three gsmes—Detroit (2004) and Miami (2006). That almost certainly means to win the title the Magic will have to do it in hostile territory.

Which ultimately means having to take it away from Kobe Bryant with everything at stake. Much has been said about Kobe’s quest to win a championship as “The Man” More telling is his relentless style, his take no prisoners mentality, his ability to do whatever it takes, score, pass, defend or even be a decoy.

That’s what will be the difference this series. The Magic are certainly better than most have given them credit for. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them and they’d be deserving champions.

However, the Lakers for all their faults, all their arrogance, all their Hollywood dramatic are more deserving. This time they won’t be denied.

Lakers in six.

An Unexpected Final Four

2009-05-17T23:40:00.004-04:00

Okay, let’s have a show of hands. Back in November when the season started how many of you had these four playing for all the chips, while the reigning champion Celtics, perennial title threat Spurs and everybody else had “gone fishin’’’?
The Cavs and Lskers? Sure. If not no-brainers, they weren’t all that hard to predict. When one team has LeBron James and the other has not only Kobe Bryant, but Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, among others, you know they’re going to be tough to knock off.
Amazingly, though, while LeBron’s Cavaliers have swept through first the Pistons, then the Hawks, the Lakers had to go to the limit before finally taking the fuel out of the Yao Ming-less Rockets. Twice the Lakers got blown out in Houston so thoroughly, Phil Jackson almost looked annoyed.
But yesterday with the season on the line it was the defending Western champions who came up huge, jumping on the Rockets right out of the gate and never letting up on their way to an 89-70 romp. That 19-point spread turned out to be popular on the day, with Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and the Orlando Magic shocking the Paul Pierce ,Ray Allen and the champs on the hallowed Garden parquet floor, 101-82, shooting a blistering 13-for-21, 62% from 3-point range
So the Conference Finals are set. The Cavs and Magic, who won 125 games between them this season—66 by Cleveland—in the East. Kobe’s Lakers vs. the Denver Nuggets--a team many thought would have a battle just making the playoffs this season out West.
Not the most likely Final Four, for sure.

Daly A Tough Act to Follow

2009-05-09T14:36:00.004-04:00

So is there another Chuck Daly lurking somewhere out there who can come to the rescue of the Sixers?

Well, that might be asking a little too much, considering that Daly, who died today at 78 of pancreatic cancer was not only a Hall of Fame coach, but a pretty decent guy, too. In fact, as Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski, who actually played for Daly three decades ago at Penn, has found, out there aren’t many like him.

Which doesn’t mean he shouldn’t keep looking, trying to find a coach who can attempt to bridge the gap that would carry the Sixers from their current state of mediocrity into becoming a team to reckon with. That’s what Daly did once he arrived in Detroit in 1983, taking over a team that had won just 97 games the previous three seasons, hadn’t had a winning season in six years and had won just one playoff series since 1961. <

Instantly, he made the Pistons respectable, winning 49 games his first season, the first climb up the NBA ladder, which would take them to the top five years later. While some may deride Daly for teaching bullying tactics, resulting in the creation of the “Bad Boys,’’ who relished playing a punishing style—bordering on dirty-- that has evolved into the norm through the years, most recognized his true genius.<

Daly was a master of getting the most from his players, who knew how to exploit an opponent’s weakness and how to frustrate them into making mistakes. Not only did his Pistons twice win it all and become a legit contender for the better part of the decade with a lineup featuring Isiah Thomas, Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer and a young, somewhat sane Dennis Rodman, he went beyond that. <

In 1992 Daly took what was arguably the greatest collection of players ever assembled—Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, John Stockton and David Robinson—among them and took Barcelona by storm. The Olympic “Dream Team’’ did it all in cruising to the gold, with Daly pulling all the right strings.

Having conquered the world, Daly took a step back after that. Following two mediocre seasons with the Nets he left coaching, becoming an expert TV/radio analyst, who was as skilled explaining the game as he was teaching it. But after five years away the coaching bug returned in the lockout shortened season of 1998, where he called the shots in Orlando. The Magic, featuring Penny Hardaway, went 33-17 that season, only to go down in a first-round upset to Allen Iverson and the rest of Larry Brown’s Sixers.
That turned out to be Chuck’s last go-round on an NBA bench.<

Daly would be the first to tell you he didn’t do anything special during his day. The numbers (638-437 over 14 seasons, 75-51 in the post-season) would suggest otherwise. The numbers also don’t say what a good person he was. For all his success, Chuck Daly never talked down to people, never acted as if he were better than them. And never forgot where he came from, a former high school coach from Western, PA, who just happened to catch a break.

So good luck, Ed Stefanski and anyone else trying to decide who’s the best man to coach their team. Whether it turns out to be incumbent Tony DiLeo—whose fate will likely be determined in the next few days—or capable outsiders like Avery Johnson, Eddie Jordan, Mark Jackson or even one-time Sixer Doug Collins, the task before them is enormous.

The kind of task Chuck Daly always thrived at.

Second Round Won't be First Rate

2009-05-04T18:21:00.005-04:00

The NBA’s version of the elite eight doesn’t offer too many surprises.

Yes, it’s a bit unexpected not to find Tim Duncan and the four-time champion Spurs still going, along with the Hornets, the team many thought might be their successors. But in the East, other than seeing Dwyane Wade and Heat fizzle out badly in Game 7 in Atlanta, it’s gone according to form.<

The one variable was the classic seven game duel the Celtics and Bulls put on, which featured some 170 lead changes and seven overtime. Ultimately, though, even without Kevin Garnett, who did not stage a Willis Reed-like return for Game 7, Boston championship mettle—plus a raucous Garden crowd—proved the difference.

Which brings us to the second round, already underway, though these predictions were hermetically sealed beforehand. While some may be looking for more of the same in terms of competitiveness, don’t be so sure. In fact upsets, not to mention long, drawn out series, will not be the second round order of the day.
EAST

Celtics (2) vs. Magic (3)
The epic series to end all epic series with the Bulls finally over, it doesn’t figure to get any easier for the reigning champion Celtics, who open second round play vs. the returning Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic tonight.<

Instead of rookie sensation Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon and John Salmons to worry about, now the men in green must deal with Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Rather than banging heads against Joakim Noah and Brad Miller in the paint, it’s Howard, the League’s leading rebounder and shot-blocker, as well as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. And rather than matching wits with first year coach Vinny DelNegro, now it’s Stan Van Gundy, not so affectionately known to Shaquille O’Neal as the “master of panic.’’ <

Still, it’s hard to imagine the Celtics being pushed any harder to the limit than they were by the Bulls, who extended them to seven games, incorporating seven overtimes, before Paul Pierce, Ray Allen & Co. somehow survived. The difference between the Magic and Bulls is the man in the middle.

Howard can take games over by himself, as the Sixers learned in the opening round. But Philadelphia doesn’t have the kind of inside game as the Celts, with rugged Kendrick Perkins and fast-improving Glen “Big Baby’’ Davis. And they certainly didn’t have a 1-2 offensive punch like Pierce and Allen, either of whom can go off without warning. Don’t forget Rajon Rondo, who might’ve been Boston’s best player in the series, either.

The Magic struggled longer than expected before finally taking care of Philly. In the process they learned they’re much more than Howard and bunch of nobodies. Against the Celtics, who are feeling the loss of Garnett more and more each day, though, they’ll encounter a team with much more confidence, composure and resilience
That, plus home court gives the champs the edge.<
Celtics in six.<

Cavs (1) vs. Hawks (4)
The LeBron show now shifts its attention to the Atlanta Hawks, the conventional wisdom being that the NBA’s newly named MVP and his Cleveland Cavalier cohorts will quickly turn the lights out in Georgia. After quickly disposing of the Pistons in four straight, the Cavs will encounter an Atlanta team far more athletic and explosive.<

Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby, along with sixth man Flip Murray supply the bulk of the firepower. Josh Smith and Al Horford clean up inside, though Smith can be a factor anywhere on the court. And Atlanta’s Phillips Arena has become one of the League’s wilder home courts.

The problem for the Hawks is they’re facing the team with THE wildest home court in the Cavs, who’ve added enough pieces around LeBron—Mo Williams, Delonte West, Anderson Varejao. They’re also facing a team that is on a mission, believing its destiny is win a championship—NOW!

The Hawks, even after finishing off Wade and the Heat won’t stand in their way for long.<
Cavs in five,<
WEST

Nuggets (2) vs. Mavericks (6)

Back in November—before Chauncey Billups arrived to resurrect their season, most people thought the only significant win the Denver Nuggets might have this year would be in the Lottery. No one—and that includes people in Colorado—seriously though this team could be a contender,

But once Billups went into the mix and Allen Iverson came out Denver was transformed. Not only did Billups become the focal point of the offense, making it infinitely easier for Carmelo Anthony and the rest, he revitalized the entire franchise.

Suddenly George Karl could do no wrong from the Nuggets bench, getting spectacular play from J.R,. Smith, Dahntay Jones and especially Chris “Birdman’’ Andersen, the shot blocking super sub whose spiked hair and multicolored tattooed arms have endeared him the fan base.

Together, they led the Nuggets to 54 wins and the Northwest Division title, followed by complete first round domination of the Hornets—including a 58-point massacre in Game 4—and now a convincing first game win over Dallas.

Look for Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd & Co. to try to find a solution to the myriad of problems Denver creates. But look for them to come up empty. The Nuggets are headed to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1977.<

Nuggets in five.

Lakers (1) vs. Rockets (5)

Even before the Rockets put away Brandon Roy and the Trail Blazers in six games, the rumblings had started Kobe Bryant was in the battle of his life going against Shane Battier and Ron Artest in this highly anticipated second-round match. It seemed a forgone conclusion they would ultimately lock horns, the Conference Finals seeming the likely spot before Houston tumbled for a possible No. 2 to No. 5 seed—and into the Lakers bracket—the final night of the regular season.

So here it is! Not only Kobe going for step 2 in his championship quest, but a chance for Yao Ming to shine in the spotlight, as he makes his first ever second round playoff appearance and the Rockets’ first since 1997. And hoops fans will get to appreciate Houston power forward Luis Scola, who does all the dirty work.

But for all they have—and it’s a lot to be sure—the Lakers have that much more. They have Pau Gasol, who’s out to prove he’s not the softy the Celtics pushed around in last year’s Finals. And Lamar Odom, who can score, rebound and pass the ball. And maybe even Andrew Bynum, who wasn’t much of a factor in the Utah series, but will give Yao another big body to contend with.

Look for Kobe not to try to force things, especially early, but to impose his will when it counts the most. And the rest of Phil Jackson’s gang will make their presence felt, too, setting the stage for another trip to the Conference Finals

Lakers in five.

But after going only 5-3 in the first round (missing on the Hawks, Nuggets and Mavs) be forewarned: none of these are hardly a sure thing.

Poof! Howard-less Magic Make Sixers Season Disappear

2009-04-30T23:21:00.004-04:00

No matter how many times the Philadelphia 76ers tried to convince themselves an Orlando Magic team playing without not only star big man Dwight Howard but scappy guard Courtney Lee was still dangerous, the message just wouldn’t sink in.<

As a result they’re sunk for good, their season coming to a bitter end, following a pathetic 114-89 performance in losing to the Magic tonight. That means for the second straight year, after taking a 2-1 series lead, the Sixers proceded to drop the next three games—two at home—and be eliminated in six on their home court. <

Rashard Lewis and Rafer Alston were just two of many who donned the heroes’ mantle for the Magic, combining for 50 points, 29 by Lewis, while Alston also handed out 10 assists and had three steals. J.J. Redick,filling in for the injured Lee, chipped in with 15—nailing five of seven from 3-point range. Big man Marcin Gortat of Poland did a solid job plugging the gap left by Howard, scoring 11 , while pulling down 15 rebounds.

Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala topped the Sixers, who shot just 41% while turning it over 16 times, with 24 and 21 respectively.

After doing an outstanding job for five games guarding the Magic’s array of 3-point shooters, Philadelphia reverted to its old form of leaving the perimeter uncovered.
The Magic made them pay dearly, draining a series high 12 3-pointers, led by. Redick, the former Duke standout and Alston, who added three treys. <

As many suspected, despite telling themselves not to ease up on the Howard-less Magic, the Sixers came out sluggish, hitting just one of their first eight shots, while Orlando knocked down three of four from beyond the arc—two by Redick—to seize a 13-5 lead.<

Later they would extend that to 20-11 on Alston’s second trey of the night, then 24-13 on Lewis’ free throws. Looking for inspiration the P.,A. announcer promptly introduced Jimmy Rollins of the World Champion Phillies. It didn’t help as Tony Battie knocked down consecutive jumpers to push it to 28-13, before the Sixers closed to 30-19 at the quarter .

The Sixers began to make a move early in the .second, Miller’s driving layup following an Iguodala 3-pointer to make it 34-27. But the Magic shook it off, getting a three-point play from Lewis, followed by a Hedo Turkoglu trey to restore a 46-34 spread. Without having to worry about feeding Howard or having him clog the lane, the Magic was having a field day picking Philadelphia apart. And if didn’t hurt that they simply couldn’t miss, shooting a blistering 60%.

Down 52-37, the Sixers desperately tried to make up some ground over the last four minutes. Instead, Redick buried his third trey, then Gortat added a free throw, extending it to 58-41.

Despite a mild Sixers flurry they still headed to the locker room in complete command, 62-48.<

It was more of the same to start the second half, as the lead ballooned to 71-53 on Alston’s 3-pointer with 8:11 left in the third, leaving the Sixers 20-plus minutes to recover. An Iguodala fast-break slam momentarily woke up the crowd, only to see Redick nail another 3-ball to silence them.<

Orlando would eventually build the margin as high as 87-65 on Lewis’ free throws, before a late 7-0 spurt left the Sixers within outside striking distance, down 87-72 heading to the fourth quarter.

Refusing to believe their team would go down quietly Sixers fans braced for what they hoped would be a frantic final period. It never happened, as Orlando continued to score seemingly at will, breaking Philadelphia's will in the process. By the time the buzzer had mercifully gone off, most of the 16,691 in the house were already long gone.

Perhaps on their way out the door they ran into the Sixers, who saw their season come to an end on the night when they essentially never showed up.

Magic Memories

2009-04-30T18:49:00.003-04:00

A sense of deju vu pervaded the Wachovia Center, as the Sixers—trailing three games to two -- prepared to take on a powerful opponent that would be playing without its center, arguably the most dominant inside force in the game.

And just as it was 29 long years ago when a precocious rookie named Earvin Johnson took center stage while Kareen Abdul Jabbar stayed home with a severe migraine, this time the Sixers were crossing their fingers Magic wouldn’t strike again. Back then the Magic was in the name of the kid from East Lansing, MI, who would go on score 42 points, while less heralded Jamaal Wilkes quietly poured in 35.

Last night, with Dwight Howard banished for elbowing Philadelphia’s Samuel Dalembert early in Game 5—an act which should’ve had him ejected on the spot had it been spotted by the zebras—everyone was waiting to see who’d come up big for the Orlando Magic.

``Guys looking to step up need to play defense better, rebound and shoot better,’’ said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy before last night’s game. ``Obviously, we don’t have any margin for error.

``We can’t make as many mistakes as we could with Dwight back there. But this is not anything new to our guys.’’

As if having to go without Howard weren’t bad enough. The Magic also has lost guard Courtney Lee for the remainder of the series, after Howard inadvertently landed another stay elbow on Lee’s head, causing a concussion. That means they’re not only going without 2/5 of their starting lineup, but their top two scorers through the first four games.

``Not counting the five minutes he played in game five (before the injury) Lee’s been our second leading scorer and one of our top defenders,’’ said Van Gundy,. who decided to go with Duke’s J.J. Redick in Lee’s spot rather than Michkael Pietrus to avoid having having both Hedo Turkoglu and Pietrus risk foul trouble. ``Obviously, he’s been having an outstanding series and it’s a tough loss.

``But our main concern is with him physically. They said he’d be out a minimum 7-10 days, so it’s virtually impossible he’ll play in this series. ‘’

Knowing both Howard and Lee would be missing tonight, though, doesn’t make Sixers coach Tony DiLeo any more confident. ``I see other guys stepping up for them,’’ predicted DiLeo. ``I think they’ll be a dangerous team.

``It always happens when a star player goes down. They don’t have a lot of pressure on them.

For us it’s a situation we know where if we lose, it’s over. We’re not in position to be overconfident.’’

Perhaps that’s a lesson learned from the 1980 NBA Finals, the one where that rookie, better known as Magic Johnson, broke their hearts—without their big man-- and celebrated a championship on the Spectrum.floor.

Tonight, with the Magic back and everyone--except them--anticipating a Game 7,
it’s up to the Sixers to prevent another surprise celebration .

Sixers Want to Change History

2009-04-26T18:02:00.004-04:00

Tony DiLeo won't look back. He hasn't even mentioned to his team how they had the perennial Eastern Conference power Pistons on the ropes in their first round series, leading two-games-to-one, then taking a 10-point lead to the lockeroom in Game 4, before it all unraveled.

Detroit took command of that game in the third quarter, eventually cruising to a 93-84 win that evened the series, then never looked back in successive 17 and 23 point wipeouts that sent Philadelphia home for the summer.

So, faced with the exact same scenario against an Orlando Magic team struggling to find its offensive groove, would DiLeo give them a quick refresher course to try to make sure history wouldn't repeat itself? ``I haven;t talked about last year at all,'' said DiLeo, an hour before tapoff. ``The guys here from that team probably learned from it.

``But this team is completely different from last year's team. From what I recall Chauncey (Billups) really took over the game, then Rasheed (Wallace) and Rip (Hamilton). It got contagious.''

Like Magic, Sixers Pull One Out

2009-04-24T22:55:00.003-04:00

\
As the scene shifts from Disney World to the City of self-proclaimed “Brotherly Love,’’ The script for Games 1 and 2 between the Sixers and Orlando Magic has been remarkably similar.

In both games the home Magic had assumed command early, expanded the margin into the high teens by the third quarter, then watched the upstart Sixers try to battle back. In Game One they succeeded, overcoming an 18-point deficit to pull off the upset on Andre Iguodala’s last ditch jumper.

Game Two was a different story, even with “Superman,’’ a.k.a Dwight Howard, missing critical minutes with foul trouble, before eventually fouling out. This time the Magic held it together, getting a spectacular 24-point effort from rookie Courtney Lee to claim a nine-point win and even the series.<

Game 3, then, would determine whether or not the Sixers could build off the crowd’s enthusiasm or it Orlando, who won 59 games during the season including twice here, could silence them. Consider if officially Bedlam City, after Thaddeus Young slipped along the baseline, eluded Howard’s smothering presence in the paint, then twisted home the 96-94 game winning layup with 2.0 seconds left.<

That gives Philadelphia a 2-1 series lead, which they’ll try to expand when they resume here Sunday. While it was Young who dropped home the decisive shot, most of the offense was shared by the Andres—Iguodala and Miller—who hit for 29 and 24 points respectively, with Willie Green added 12. Howard’s 31 topped the Magic, who again struggled with their 3-point .shooting, going just __ beyond the arc.<

When the Magic found themselves staring at a 17-point deficit midway through the third period it was deju vu—all over again. Seemingly out of it Orlando surged to life, erasing all but three of those points by the end of the period.

The comeback continued into the fourth as the Magic drew even. There the Sixers, much maligned for their defensive lapses during the season,. threw a blanket over Howard and the other Magic shooters, before the big man ignored a wave of Thundersticks to hit two clutch free throws and tie the game with 6.9 seconds left.

But only until Young worked himself free along the baseline to take Miller’s inbounds pass, then come up with biggest basket of his young career,
\
The Sixers tried to feel off the early energy of the crowd, who were handed white T-shirts as they entered the building. They proceeded to knock down their first five shots to take a 10-8 lead. It see-sawed after that until Green and Iguodala ignited an 8-2 Sixers’ spurt that pushed it to 23-17.

Then it was Miller’s turn, as he drove twice to the hoop for layups, keeping the Sixers up, 27-21 at the quarter.<

It grew to 34-25 when veteran Donyell Marshall got free for a dunk, then Lou Williams drove coast-to-coast. Later a pair of Reggie Evans free throws further extended the margin to 38-27, the Magic already in the penalty.<

The Sixers quickly tried to exploit that, then set up Marshall for a three-ball, making it 43-31. Moments later, though, Samuel Dalembert, playing his best game of the series, set a moving pick for his third personal. In came backup Theo Ratliff, who
promptly slammed one home off an Iguodala pass.<

With the Sixers threatening to break it open, back came the Magic, getting 3-pointers from Turkoglu and Lee to narrow the gap to 48-41. But Philadelphia didn’t panic, continuing to run its offense and swarm the Magic on the defensive end, as they restored the lead to 60-49 when Miller beat the buzzer.<

Not content with that, Philadelphia picked up where it left off to start the third, Iguodala draining a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer, followed by Green’s hoop to give them their biggest advantage, 65-49. Not for long, as Green pumped in another 20-footer, making it 72-55.<

Orlando then smothered Iguodala on the wing, who could do nothing but turn and let a prayer fly. It was answered, as the house erupted. The Magic, meanwhile had no success get the ball to their usually deadly 3-point shooters, yet remained within striking distance, thanks to Howard’s unlikely success at the line. <

Without warning Orlando proceeded to go on a 13-0 run capped by back-to-back Mikael Pietrus’ treys to close within 76-74. Miller finally broke the spell and the teams traded basket from there, the Sixers heading to the fourth clinging to an 80-77 lead.

Six minutes later it remained three points, before Lewis buried his second 3-pointer of the night to finally tie it, 86-86. The defenses tightened up at both ends, here, Iguodala’s free throws the only scoring until Williams scored on the break. Iguodala followed that up with a 15-footer to make it 92-86 with 2:39 remaining. <

Howard responded by throwing down a Turkoglu miss, ending a 4: 23 drought.
Lewis made it a 92-91 game, hitting beyond the arc, as the clock dipped inside 2:00. But Green hit a tough shot on the run to preserve a 94-91 edge. The Sixers then missed a chance to add to that when Iguodala bricked two free throws.<

Howard countered by sinking one of two, before Miller missed in traffic, Orlando rebounding and calling its final timeout with 7.4 seconds left. They went inside to Howard who was fouled and hit both to tie at 6.9 seconds, giving the Sixers the ball with a chance to win.

Young did precisely that, and for the second year in a row Philadelphia had the upper hand on its heavily favored opponent heading into Game 4.

Playoffs Are Here!

2009-04-24T21:48:00.001-04:00

For the Sixers it’s “Same Time, the Next Year.’’
In just a few hours they return to the Wachovia Center to face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic dead even in the series, with the next two and three of the next four to be played here.
Precisely the scenario they found themselves in a year ago after splitting in Detroit. They proceeded to blitz Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and his friends, 95-75 in Game 3, then had the Pistons on the ropes, leading by 14 points in halftime of Game 4.
But the fairy tale upset ended there, as Detroit climbed off the deck to not only take that one, 93-84, but close out the series in convincing fashion, 98-81 and 100-77.
So have the Sixers learned from the experience. One thing, coach Tony DiLeo will emphasize is that just because they’re home before what figures to be passionate fans, they still have to go out and win the game themselves. Those fans alone can’t do it for them.
That’s something the Bulls discovered Thursday night, while getting destroyed at home by the Celtics after playing so well while earning a split in Boston. ``We’ll mention it to them and talk about being like Dallas, rather than Chicago,’’ said DiLeo, referring to the Mavs’ romp over the Spurs. ``We have home court, but we can’t rely on it just because it’s home court.<
``We still have to go out and play.’’
From the start, it was evident they had gotten the message.<

West Should Be Wild

2009-04-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

How will the West be won?

Do Kobe Bryant and the Lakers—a juggernaut even before Andrew Bynum is back seemingly healthy for the playoffs—merely need to toss their Nikes and Reeboks on the floor to assure punching their return ticket to the Finals? Or can somebody else—all of them at least 11 games poorer than L.A. in the standings—find the magic over the next six weeks?

Certainly there are worthy candidates, beginning with the upstart Nuggets, who seemed a likely lottery team until Chauncey Billups arrived to revitalize the franchise. Don’t rule out any of the teams from the Texas Triangle, San Antonio, Houston, even Dallas, each stocked with veterans who’ve been through this before and have the potential to do it now.

Why not the young and fast-improving Portland Trail Blazers, who weren’t supposed to be a legit contender until their new big man, Greg Oden, had learned the ropes. Or the Hornets, who seemed on the verge of greatness last year largely thanks the game’s top point guard, Chris Paul, but haven’t been able to build on it this season.

At least yet.

Finally, could you imagine a tougher No. 8 seed than the Jazz, a team just two years removed from the Conference Finals? Unlike the East, you see, once you get past the Cavs, Magic and defending champion Celtics, there’s virtually no shot of someone else riding the wave to the top.

In the West, beginning tonight, if not the Lakers, anyone can grab it.

Lakers (1) vs. Jazz (8)—That seemed to be a very loud message Kobe and the Lakers left for Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and rest of Jerry Sloan’s gang Tuesday at Staples Center. With their playoff fate sealed, nothing to be gained and potentially everything to lose,, the Lakers didn’t rest their regulars and take no chances, they systematically pounded a Utah team that still had a mathematical chance to avoid the No. 8 spot into submission.

Doing it in a best of seven, particularly considering the physical game Utah plays, won’t be an easy trick. While not quite John Stockton and Karl Malone, the Jazz still runs the pick-and-roll expertly, Williams working smoothly with Boozer, Mehmet Okur Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap.

But the Jazz has proven vulnerable in some key areas, particularly on the road. Assuming they can hold serve at home, since they only need one at Staples there’s best hope is to string the series out, then summon up their energy for one late push.

Doing that, though, is another story, since the Lakers are fully capable of winning anywhere.

Lakers in five

Nuggets (2) vs. Hornets (7)—This matchup wouldn’t have seemed a surprise back in the pre-season, except that New Orleans would be the second seed, with Denver slipping in at seven. But neither team lived up to its billing, which has brought them to this point.

Both team have two legit stars—Billups and Carmelo Anthony for the Nuggets, Psul and David West for the Hornets. Both teams have big men plagued with injuries throughout their careers, Denver’s Nene and New Orleans’ Tyson Chandler. Both have solid role players, capable of making big plays, J.R, Smith and Chris Andersen for George Karl’s team, while Byron Scott can call on Rasual Butler and James Posey.

Ultimately, this one will come down to defense and rebounding, neither of which was supposed to be the Nuggets’ forte. In the long run that will prove their undoing in what will go down as a upset in name only
Nuggets in six,.

Spurs (3) vs. Mavs (6)—The Spurs were the big winner on the final night of the regular season, jumping up from a potential No. 5 seed to Midwest winners and No. 3. The reward is a matchup vs. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd & Co., who lifted themselves up from No. 8 and near certain elimination against the Lakers to No. 6.

Many now like their chances vs. Tim Duncan’s and Tony Parker’s gang, who won’t have Manu Ginobili available to provide instant offense off the bench. That role now falls to unheralded Ime Udoka along with veterans Drew Gooden and Kurt Thomas. Dallas, meanwhile can call on Jason Terry and Jose Barea.

When it comes to sheer firepower Dallas would seem to be the clear leader. But when you factor in defensive tenacity, coupled with the kind of intangibles that have resulted in four championships over a nine-year that tips things just a bit in San Antonio’s favor.

Spurs in seven.

Blazers (4) vs. Rockets (5)—The Rockets started the final night of the season a win and Denver loss from locking up the West’s second seed. They got the Denver loss and even had a 14-point lead on Dallas, but couldn’t put it away eventually losing and falling all the way to No. 5 seed.

Meanwhile, Portland, which wasn’t supposed to be this good (54-28) until Greg Oden developed into an inside force, blew out the Nuggets in the finale to get the No. 4 seed and hotly desired home court advantage over Yao Ming’s team. While Portland has been formidable at the Rose Garden and Houston doesn’t have a history of recent playoff success on the road, the Rockets are good enough to change that trend.

Houston’s two best defensive players, Ron Artest and Shane Battier will try to put the clamp on Portland’s Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge. On the other hand Yao figures to be a force, since neither Joel Pryzbilla nor Oden can match up with him.

The Blazers have become the trendy pick to not only beat Houston, but give the Lakers all they can handle. But they still seem a bit too new to all this, making them ripe for an early exit.<

Rockets in six.

Of course, the way the West has gone all season—other than the Lakers, of course—you might well have to tear this up and start again come the second round.

The Best Time of the Year

2009-04-16T18:30:00.003-04:00

Somewhere around 1:00 A.M. Thursday morning, .the pairings for the upcoming NBA playoffs were final set.

Not until the Blazers finished off the Nuggets, 104-76, did the final pieces fall into place. That bumped Portland—returning to the post-season for the first time since Maurice Cheeks not only took them there in 2003, but became a national hero by coming to the rescue of 14-year-old Natalie Gilbert, the girl singing the National Anthem who had forgotten the words-up to the No. 4 slot.

In the process Houston, which had a chance to wind up No. 2 when the night began—had the Rockets held onto a 14-point lead in Dallas-.fell all the way down to No. 5, meaning they’ll have to open in RIP city.

That’s just one of a number of potentially juicy first-round matchups that will have pro hoops fans salivating over the next few weeks. Here’s the rest, with a quick breakdown of what to expect.

We’ll start off today in the East today, saving those fierce battles of the West until tomorrow.

Cavs (1) vs. Pistons (8)—The championship quest, which LeBron James & his teammates have made no secret they believe is their destiny, begins against the team that has been to the Conference Finals the last six years. But the only thing these Pistons have in common with those Pistons is the name and logo.

Detroit, having traded floor leader Chauncey Billups early in the season for Allen Iverson, never got it together and staggered to the wire having dropped their last three to fall to 40-42. Their reward is a date with the NBA’s best team—at least record-wise, which dropped only one home game all season in which LeBron and the “varsity” played.

Unless Cleveland gets caught up in believing its press clippings and doesn’t come ready to play, they shouldn’t have much trouble with Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Price & Co.
Cavs in five.<

Celtics (2) vs. Bulls (7)—Give the reigning champions credit for winning 61 games—third best in the League—despite having lost meal ticket Kevin Garnett for most of the past two months. But with today’s revelation from Doc Rivers that KG is probably gone for the playoffs it’s unreasonable to expect Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and the rest to actually defend their crown.

On the other hand, don’t look for the Bulls—who could’ve avoided this matchup and drawn the Magic by beating the Raptors at home Wednesday—to be the ones knocking them off their throne. While likely “Rookie of the Year,’’ Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas—joined at the trading deadline by veterans John Salmons and Brad Miller—have spearheaded a late season surge, the Celts remain a formidable opponent.

On paper Chicago has the quickness and firepower to give the Celtics problems. On the court, though, Boston’s superior defense and championship swagger will prevail.
Celtics in six.

Magic (3) vs. Sixers (6)—In spite of themselves the Sixers somehow found away to beat the Cleveland JV at the “Q” last night, while the Bulls lost to the Toronto, which nudged them into a duel against Dwight Howard and his 3-point happy friends.

This one will feature one of the NBA’s best long-range shooting teams in Orlando against one of the worst, Philadelphia. And it’s no contest in the paint where Howard, the league’s leading rebounded and shot blocker should have his way against Samuel Dalembert and anyone else Tony DiLeo throws at him.

But if the Sixers can get their vaunted running game in gear and figure out a way to keep Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and Rafer Alston from repeatedly burning them beyond the arc,. they might have a chance.

Too big an if to expect an upset. Magic in six.

Hawks (4) vs. Heat (5)—Clearly the most even matchup of the bunch. The Hawks, as much as anyone scared the Celtics last spring, taking them to a seventh game. Now they’ve won __ games and earned home court for the first round.

Where their prize is the league’s leading scorer, Dwyane Wade, who personally resurrected a 15-win doormat into a playoff team. Next on his agenda is marching through Georgia—aided by recent acquisition Jermaine O’Neal, Udonis Haslem and rookies Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers—into a second round showdown vs. Olympic teammate LeBron and the Cavs.

The Hawks, led by Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby in the backcourt, with Josh Smith and Al Horford doing the dirty work inside, won’t go down easy. But Wade will come up with something to make sure they do go down.
Heat in seven.<

That would set up a second round starring this fantastic four: LeBron, D-Wade, Howard and the champs.

Yes, it’s finally playoff time. For hoops fans the best time of the year.
-30-

Bucks Shot Down in Stretch

2009-04-02T19:19:00.009-04:00

With nine games and less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, and the Sixers post-season fate very much up in the air, the Milwaukee Bucks—another team that shouldn’t have been able to match up with them—came to town last night.

They nearly left with something to smile about, holding as much as a 13-point first half lead before the Sixers finally got down to business. Facing the team which impacted their season most--since Elton Brand's season-ending shoulder injury occurred when he collided with Milwaukee's Luc Mbah a Moute and dislocated his shoulder--they came up huge when it mattered most. With the game hanging in the balance tied inside six minutes, the Sixers proceeded to run off 10 straight points and never look back enroute to a 105-95 win that improved their record to 39-35. <

Lou Williams came off the bench to score 21 points and lead a balanced attack, as the Sixers nudged ½ game ahead of idle Miami (39-36) for the coveted No. 5 playoff spot—meaning they’d avoid playing either Boston or Orlando in the opening round. Andre Iguodala followed with 20, while Andre Miller scored 18 and handed out 11 assists and sixth man Maurice Speights added 14.

The Bucks, meanwhile, placed six men in double figures, topped by Ramon Sessions with 18 and 10 assists.Richard Jefferson (17) and Charlie Bell (14) came next for Scott Skiles’ team.<

Milwaukee, featuring a roster that represents 3/4 of the NCAA's Final Four--forwards Charlie Villanueva (Connecticut) and Malik Allen (Villanova), along with guard Charlie Bell (Michigan State), plus head coach Skiles (Michigan State) and assistant Joe Wolf (North Carolina), is mathematically alive for the playoffs at 32-45. But that's about it.<

Besides needing a bunch of wins, the Bucks would need a collapse from not only the 36-40 Bulls, currently No.8, but also from Charlotte (34-41) and Indiana (32-43). That's simply asking for too much help. <

But it didn’t stop them from going after the Sixers, playing for the first time since power forward Thaddeus Young—who had scored at least 20 points in seven straight games—went down with a severe ankle sprain that will sideline him 2-3 weeks. In the beginning, though, it was the Reggie Evans show for the Sixers, the new starting power forward erupting for nine points—just three off his season’s high—as Philadelphia surged to an early 13-7 lead. But the Bucks struck right back, going on an 8-0 run to go ahead, 15-13.

They maintained through most of the period, before rookie Joe Alexander fouled Iguodala shooting from 3-point range,. When Iguodala hit two-of-three, it was tied 24-24 after one.<

Milwaukee quickly jumped back on top, 28-24, to start the second, then pushed it to 41-30 on Luke Ridnour’s 3-pointer.and a basket by Dan Gadzuric. Eventually, the margin would reach 52-39 on Sessions’ free throws , before 3-pointers by Williams and Donyell Marshall and Iguodala’s three-point play helped narrow the gap to 59-50 at the half.<

The Sixers continued to chip away in the third, Iguodala’s free throws bringing them within 61-59 at the 8:37 mark. Samuel Dalembert’s hook shot tied it moments later, completing a 19-6 run. <

Back stormed the Bucks, though, with six unanswered points, Sessions driving layup restoring a 67-61 advantage. Milwaukee managed to hold them off until the final minute when Speights free throws capped a late run, sending the Sixers to the fourth clinging to an 80-79 edge. <

After a frenetic 50-point third period, both teams tightened up defensively in the fourth. After four minutes the Sixers remained on top. 85-82. Just over two minutes later, Sessions’ three-point play knotted things,, 89-89.

That’s when the Sixers took charge, Speights hammering one down in the paint, followed by an Iguodala fast break slam and Miller’s free throws. When Williams came up with a loose ball and drove for a layup, suddenly the Sixers had their biggest lead of the night, 97-89 with 4:03 left. Speights knocked down a short jumper on their next possession to finish off a 10-0 run that essentially settled the issue, the Bucks managing just six more points the rest of the way.<

Sixers Post-season hopes Rest on Young

2009-04-02T18:00:00.003-04:00

As Thaddeus Young gingerly wrapped his arms around a pair of crutches and hobbled out the door, you couldn’t help wonder if the Sixers season was leaving with him.

Sure, he and coach Tony DiLeo all said the right things. They have confidence in the guys taking his place. The team will rally around others.

But realistically, it has to be a staggering blow`to a team that has already suffered too many of them to lose a player of Young’s caliber at such a critical juncture. When the 20-year-old Young landed awkwardly on the foot of Atlanta’s Josh Smith in the first quarter of what would be a 98-85 Sixers win, he went down hard and didn’t get back up.,

Eventually he had to be helped off the court, unable to put any weight on his right ankle. Even though x-rays and a subsequent MRI showed nothing was broken and that Young had suffered a strained ankle and bone bruise, the damage was severe enough that he’s been ruled out the next 2-3 weeks.

That means it’s unlikely he’d return before the end of the regular season, while the start of the playoffs are in jeopardy, too. While hardly ideal, it still beats the prospect of not getting him back at all, which DiLeo feared. ``It’s a big relief,’’ said DiLeo, regarding the prognosis. ``When I saw him go down I expected a lot worse.

``The best scenario would be getting him back in the regular season. But we’ll do whatever it takes to get him back healthy. If the medical staff says he’s okay and Thad says he’s okay then I’d be confident to play him. But not if one of them isn’t comfortable with it.’’

While Young remains hopeful he can make it back sooner rather than later, he expressed confidence in replacements Reggie Evans and rookie Marreese Speights.

``We have guys who can come in and pick up the slack,’’ said Young, matter of factly some 90 minutes before the Sixers took on the Milwaukee Bucks, with Evans getting the starting nod.. ``I’m sure they’ll do a good job.

DiLeo tried to add to the suspense by refusing to divulge his starter until the last minute, as if tipping off Bucks’ coach Scott Skiles beforehand would make a difference. Other than concede going with Evans in Thad’s spot would indicate an inclination towards defense, while rookie Speights was more of an offensive force, DiLeo was mum.

Unless Thaddeus Young gets back in action soon, though, the likelihood of the Sixers post-season lasting any longer than one round seems virtually negligible.

A Loss That Could Really Sting

2009-03-27T19:32:00.005-04:00

The Charlotte Hornets are the kind of team the Sixers will have to beat down the stretch if they're to maintain their precarious hold on the East's No. 5 playoff spot--or even move up.

Larry Brown's team is no longer one of the NBA's laughingstocks at 31-39. But they're not exactly ready for prime time, either.

Having nudged a mere percentage point ahead of Dwyane Wade and the struggling Miami Heat, the Sixers goal is not to give it back. With half their remaining games at home, and the majority of them against teams with sub. 500 records, the opportunity clearly is right there ahead of them. They need to either play well enough to stay in fifth—or stage a spectacular finish to rally past the 42-30 Hawks for fourth and potential home court advantage in a first-round series with Atlanta.

None of which they did here last night, digging themselves a 17-point halftime hole, which grew to 18 early in the fourth quarter, before they began their inevitable comeback. But, as if often the case, it wasn't quite enough, the Hornets holding them off, 100-95.

Boris Diaw paced a balanced attack for the Hornets with 24 points Raymond Felton followed with 20, then Gerald Wallace with 14 and 11 rebounds.

Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young provided the bulk of the 37-34 Sixers offense , scoring 25 and 21 respectively.

The Sixers started off sluggishly, allowing the Hornets to penetrate for high percentage shots, while falling behind 29-23 after one thanks to Charlotte’s 130-for-22 59.1 % shooting. In the second the Hornets pushed that as high as 34-25, before the Sixers began to battle back.<

But after drawing within 36-31 on Young’s hoop, Charlotte took command. Over the final 5:14 the Hornets blanked the Sixers, while running off 14 unanswered points, five apiece by rookie D.J. Augustin and former Sixers Raja Bell.

That sent Charlotte to the locker room up 50-33

They tacked on one more basket to make it 52-33, before the Sixers finally broke the drought.. Philadelphia then spent the rest of the period trying to chip away at the deficit, getting as close as 63-52 on Willie Green’s basket. They were still down 11 inside 2:00 when Wallace and Felton scored to help restore the spread to 73-60 heading into the fourth quarter.<

From there it reached 77-60 on Waace’s free throws, then 80-62 on Augustin’s second trey of the night. But the Sixers braced for one last desperate push, Young’s 20 footer cutting it to 82-71. Later Lou Williams’ free throws and an Iguodala dunk narorowed the gap to 88-80, the closest they’d been since the second quarter.

But when Bell was able to retrieve his own miss, setting up Diaw for a three-point play the pressure eased for a moment. Still, the Sixers kept charging, Iguodala’s 3-pointer again making it an eight-point game, 93-85. Things got interesting when Williams drove the lane for a three-point play, making it 94-90 with 1:49 remaining, followed by Young’s driving layup.

But Diaw got inside for a layup to momentarily silence the crowd, then Bell knocked down two free throws, Iguodala responded with a 3-pointer, making it a one-possession game, 98-95. Bell missed a 20-footer only to see the Sixers bat it out of bounds, Felton then dribbled for 15 seconds at the top of the key, before slicing to the hoop for the clinching layup with 7.9 seconds left.

In the aftermath DiLeo and his players talked about getting off to a slow start, not matching Charlotte's energy and agressiveness, as well as the price they paid for it. With just 11 games remaining, the ultimate price could prove very costly.

If things remain as bunched up as they are for those coveted 4-5 playoff spots, downt the road the Sixers may well point to this loss to the Hornets as one that really stings.

DiLeo Not Looking Ahead

2009-03-27T18:37:00.002-04:00

The mantra of coaching says you may NEVER, EVER dare look ahead beyond the next game. Exactly where this all started no one can quite say for sure.

But chances it was some time when the Greeks and Roman were waging battle.

So Sixers’ coach Tony DiLeo refused to take the bait when it was suggested that having his team in a three-way fight with the Hawks and Heat to escape the 6-7-8 playoff positions in the East and near certain first round death, might be a good thing. While it only makes sense that getting into either the fourth shot—which would mean having home court advantage—or No. 5, would seem to be the way to go, DiLeo wasn’t interested in looking beyond tonight’s test with old friend Larry Brown’s Charlotte Hornets.<

`` ``As you said we just want to win as many games as we can and I’m only worrying about tonight,’’ said DiLeo, whose 37-33 team technically holds the No 5 spot by a percentage point over 38-34 Miami, while trailing 42-30 Atlanta by four games. ``If we win them all we’ll be in good shape.’’<

While DiLeo stuck to the mantra, one of his players, came right out and said there’s one team the Sixers would just as soon avoid—and it has nothing to do with any lack of confidence they don’t match up. ``There’s only one team I don’t want to play,’’ said veteran forward Reggie Evans, referring to Lebron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, the likely No. 1 seed. ``.LeBron is the face of the NBA.<.
``Revenue. Ticket Sales. They want to see him on TV as much as possible,
``It’s not like I’m scared of playing them, but there’s a lot of political stuff going on.’’
Then Evans did momentarily project a bit long term. ``It would be good to have home court, but it really doesn’t matter,’’ said Evans, who’s faced then Clippers’ big man Elton the Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace in previous playoff series. ``The main thing is we’re going to have a better record and higher seed than we did last year (40-42, No. before losing in six to the Pistons)
``Once we get to the first round we’ll see what happens.’’
But first, there are 11 more games to play, beginning tomorrow in Detroit.

D-Wade Turned Human

2009-03-16T00:38:00.001-04:00

Dwayne Wade made his NBA debut some 5 ½ years ago, scoring 18 points—on 8-for-18 shooting and grabbing four rebounds in 41 minutes in the Heat’s 89-74 loss to Allen Iverson and the Sixers.

Let’s just say he’s improved a bit since then—although it was hard to tell today--, coming into today’s game leading the NBA in scoring at a 30.0 clip. He also ranked second in steals—to Chris Paul-- and eighth in assists. Plus. coming off an injury-plagued 2008 in which he was limited to just 51 games while the Heat staggered to a 15-67 disaster of a season, he’s almost single-handedly improved them into playoff contenders.

After doing a half-Syracuse Saturday in Miami—needing three overtime to outlast the Utah Jazz, 140-129--the 36-29 Heat arrived fifth in the tightly packed Eastern standings, 1 ½ games behind No. 4 Atlanta, who would have home court should it stay this way, and 2 ½ games ahead of No. 6 Detroit. Another ½ game back was the Sixers, who would earn a 2-2 split of the season’s series with a win today.<

Down five points after three periods that prospect didn’t appear likely. But then Philadelphia picked up its defense, while Miami’s legs, still feeling the effects of Saturday’s marathon just wouldn’t respond. With little-used Donyell Marshall coming out of mothballs to pick up a sagging offense by hitting three 3-pointers, while the Sixers playing suffocating defense at the other end, Philadelphia went on a 24-9 fourth quarter tear to salvage a crucial 85-77 win. <

Andre Iguodala scored 21 points to lead the way for the 33-31 Sixers, who now head West for five games, beginning Tuesday with the Lakers. Thaddeus Young was next with 17, while Andre Miller finished with 10 while handing out 11 assists and Marshall added 10—all in the fourth quarter when he single-handedly outscored the visitors.<
Jermaine O’Neal topped the 36-30 Heat with 20, while Wade settled for 18, shooting just 8-for-21, to go with four rebounds and three assists, numbers eerily similar to the ones he posted in his October 29, 2003 debut here. <

``It wasn’t a good one,’’ conceded Wade, who felt he simply didn’t have his usual explosiveness, which prevented him from going strong to the hoop. ``They made the plays and we didn’t.

``Being tired (from the three overtime game with the quick turnaround) was a factor of course.<

``I just didn’t have the energy to go to the rim like I can.’’

Sensing that, the Sixers didn’t let the Heat off the hook. ``We knew they had played three overtimes yesterday so they were tired,’’ said Iguodala, as the Sixers jumped over Detroit into sixth in the East, just 1 ½ games behind Miami. ``We take to take full advantage.

``In that situation you definitely have to take care of business.’’

That’s the same mindset they intend to take West, where they’ll follow up their test vs. Kobe & Co. by taking on Phoenix, Sacramento, Golden State and Portland. `` Whoever put the schedule together for us wasn’t on our side,’’ complained Iguodala.
We’re playing some high level teams. <

``We usually play well when we play good teams. If we can win one early, that could set us up for a good trip.’’

But before they left town they had to stop D-Wade and his boys As Heat coach, Erik Spoelstra feared, the host Sixers jumped out of the gates on his weary team, getting 10 first quarter points from Young and seven from Iguodala to seize a 29-22 first quarter lead. But with Wade, O’Neal and the rest of the starters on the bench, the Heat opened up the floor for 3-pointers from Chris Quinn and Yakhouba Diawara to draw even, 31-31. <

A few minutes later Mario Chalmers drained another trey to put Miami ahead, 37-35. Then it was Wade driving past Samuel Dalembert to make it 43-40. But Iguodala responded with a three-point play, followed by a fastbreak dunk off an Andre Miller pass off a steal the Sixers closed with a flurry to take a 46-43 halftime lead.<

The game remained tight into the third, Wade stripping Iguodala and going in for an uncontested dunk to put the Heat on top, 51-50. Udonis Haslem’s corner jumped pushed it to 55-50, as Philadelphia hit just two of its first 11 to start the period.<

Finally Young broke the drought with a driving layup, followed by a tough putback in traffic to cut it to 58-54. Wade promptly opened it up to 62-54, hitting from the corner. After three it was 68-61, the Sixers having scored 32 points in the second and third periods combined after dropping 29 in the first.<

That’s when the Sixers made their move, Tony DiLeo pulling the strings by going deep down his bench to veteran Marshall, who followed Maurice Speights’ jumper and a pair of Lou Williams with a 3-pointer to tie it, 70-70 with 7:45 remaining.<

Miller then put the Sixers up for the first time since early in the third, 72-70, setting the stage for a frantic finish. Marshall’s second trey of the period stretched the Sixers advantage to 77-72 at the 5:38 mark, before he drained his third to make it 80-74. .

Miami had a number of chances to cut into that margin, only to come up empty, before Marshall’s third 3-ball within a 3:16, followed by some Philadelphia free throws, put it away.

One Last Spectrum of Emotions

2009-03-14T11:49:00.013-04:00

If it was up to the players, not only wouldn't they be tearing down the Spectrum later this year, they'd try to get the Sixers to play there more often.

With a sold-out 17,563 screaming like banchees and the outcome hanging in the balance, this was the rare night when the Sixers did enough damage down the stretch to escape with a 104-101 win over Michael Jordan's old team, the Chicago Bulls.

The numbers will say Thaddeus Young poured in a career-high 31 points, while Andre Iguodala added 25 to help push Tony DiLeo's team back over the .500 mark at 32-31, keeping them seventh in the East, but now 4 12 games ahead of those same Bulls’ for the East’s final playoff spot. They’ll also point to Samuel Dalembert yanking down 19 rebounds to go with his eight points and four blocks—capped by his rejecting Bulls’ rookie sensation Derrick Rose’s driving layup attempt with 20 seconds left and the Sixers clinging to a 102-101 lead.

But what the numbers can’t do is recreate the feeling, the energy that was coursing through the building last night. The joint was jumping once again—as they used to say in one of their trademark marketing slogans—for this one final fling in a building where so much of the franchise’s history—both good and bad--was made.

Of course they celebrated Doctor J., Moses Malone, Bobby Jones and others from the 1983 championship team, as well as the Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer-led 1967 title squad. At the same time there had to be many among the announced sold-out 17,563 on hand for the occasion who could vividly recall all those championship near misses, not to mention the abomination of 1973 when the Sixers posted what remains the NBA’s all-time record for futility, 9-73.

But to the current players who took the floor none of that mattered. While Andre Miller did snap pictures of the building and some of the greats who played here and turned out last night, he said that was for his nine-year-old son, Duane, as much as posterity.

``"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to say that I played on the same court as some of the legends of the game," said Miller, who scored 13, while handing out as many assists. ``The atmosphere was actually better than our place (the Wachovia Center).

``It was louder, Like old-school basketball. ‘’

Dalembert, apparently inspired to play on the level of his predecessors like Spectrum big men Chamberlain, Malone and Caldwell Jones said it was special, too. "It was amazing," said Dalembert, who pulled down the rebound of Ben Gordon’s last-ditch 3-point attempt to force overtime, then jubilantly held it high above his head as time expired. "All the fans are right on top of you.

``You can only imagine the excitement and the smell from the '70s, the dust, and maybe there were some rats watching the game, too.’’

They watched a good one, as the Sixers took command of what had been a close game with a 13-2 surge to close the third period and take an 80-69 cushion into the fourth. Rookie Maurice Speights promptly scored to start the fourth—making it 82-69—before the Bulls came charging back.

Within five minutes they had tied it, 88-88, on former Sixer Tim Thomas’ 3-pointer. Later Chicago would take the lead, which see-sawed back and forth as the clock wound down. Finally, Miller sank three of four three throws to make it 101-98 inside a minute, only to see Gordon knock down a game-tying trey with 31.8 seconds left.

Iguodala opened the door a crack by sinking just one of two at the line moments later, before Dalembert helped slam it shut with his block of Rose, igniting a streaking Young for an uncontested dunk at the other end.

When Gordon’s final prayer went unanswered, the ghosts rattling around the Spectrum could finally smile. That was an exciting game on a special night," said
Sixers' coach Tony DiLeo, who used to observe from the same Spectrum bench as an assistant in the early 90’s "That's the way they write it in books."

The book is now closed on what they used to call “America’s Showplace.’’ It ended fittingly, though, with a classic.

Farewell, then to those seats Philadelphia basketball fans will never sit in again—another old slogan based on the premise the crowd would be standing to cheer all the time. Goodbye to those friendly rims, the tiny locker rooms, the narrow hallway which separated the teams.

On a night when a full spectrum of emotions was on display the bottom line turned out to be good, exciting basketball.

Those who lived snd died with the fate of their teams in this building, who grew up from boys into men and girls into women along the way, had to know the Spectrum wouldn't go out any other way.

One Last Spectrum Memory

2009-03-13T19:27:00.005-04:00

``Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman--and Welcome'' was the way ``The Zink,'' legendary announcer Dave Zinkoff would meet and greet the fans when they entered the Spectrum.

While Zink is now calling plays in a higher arena, this was the night the Sixers commemorated him and others of an era gone by, playing for real against longtime rival Michael Jordan’s old team, the Chicago Bulls.

And while neither of these teams figures to do anything memorable this season, at least the game lived up to the magnitude of the occasion. Leading by 13 points early in the fourth the Sixers saw the Bulls come to life and take the lead, before Andre Iguodala’s free throw and Thaddeus Young late dunk saved the night, 104-101.

Young posted his second straight solid performance, scoring a career high 31 points, Iguodala was next with 25, while Andre Miller added 13 and handed out 13 assists. And don’t forget big man Samuel Dalembert, who hauled down 19 rebounds and blocked Bulls’ rookie sensation Derrick Rose’s attempted game-winner in the final seconds.

Rose still wound up leading the Bulls with 20, while former Sixer John Salmons, Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller scored 14 apiece.

The evening got off to a rousing start with saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, in tribute to the late Grover Washington Jr. , played a moving rendition of the National Anthem.

Then it was time for the introductions of representatives of the franchise’s two championship teams who played in the building, 1967 and 1983. Only Wali Jones turned out for the late Alex Hannum’s ’67 team, which starred The ``Big Dipper,’’ Wilt Chamberlain, along with Hal Greer, Chet “The Jet’’ Walker, Luke Jackson and sixth man Billy Cunningham.

The ’83 champs, coached of course, by Cunningham, were represented by starters Marc Iavoroni, Moses Malone and the incomparable Julius Erving, sixth man Bobby Jones and reserves Earl Cureton, Franklin Edwards, Clemon Johnson and Reggie Johnson.

With impressionist Joe Conklin sounding Zink-like, the introduction were completed, before Doctor J. stepped to the podium to speak for the players. ``On behalf of those here tonight and hundreds of other Sixers who have been a part of this franchise’s history, I’d like to say thank you to the fans of Philadelphia and fans all over the world,’’ said Doc. ``More than two decades ago at my retirement I was able to stand here and issue a challenge to the franchise—to become a better franchise.

``I think they’ve done everything here but win a championship. Now I’d like to issue a new challenge to the players here—who one day will be old like us—to be great ambassadors and play hard.

Shortly after that Young became the first player to score in the Spectrum since the Sixers moved across the street in 1996, only to see Chicago’s Joachim Noah throw down the first dunk.at the other end.

The Bulls used that impetus to grab as much as a 22-16 lead late in the period, before Lou Williams’ shot at the buzzer cut it to 23-22 after one.<

Philaddelphia began to tighten up at the defensive end in the second, taking a 36-33 lead on baskets by Iguodala and Young. Chicago battled back to tie on Brad Miller's dunk, only to see the Sixers counter with a 9-4 spurt, going up 45-40 on A. Miller's jumper. At the half, though, it was down to 48-47.

The game remained tight into the third, the lead see-sawing on virtually every possession. But late in the period the Sixers went on a 9-0 run, seizing their biggest lead of the night, 76-67on Young’s three-point play, followed by Miller’s putback. They still weren’t done, converting a steal into an Iguodala hoop, as they finished off a 13-2 run to head to the fourth up 80-69.

Maurice Speights promptly increased that to 82-69, putting the Sixers suddenly on the verge of a rout. Speights followed that up with a pair of dunks, the latter coming down straight on Rose’s head.>

But Chicago wouldn’t go away, outscoring Philadelphia 13-4 over the next two minutes former Sixers Tim Thomas draining a 3-pointer that cut it to 86-82 at the 7:54 mark. Moments later it was tied, 88-88, when Thomas buried another from behind the line.

Now it was the Sixers turn to respond, with Young scoring in close, then Samuel Dalembert snatching an offensive rebound, then swishing one from the corner when left unchallenged. Again the Bulls had the answer, as the clock ticked inside two minutes knotted, 96-96.<

A. Miller’s free throw put Philly ahead. Then, after Thomas’ driving layup spilled out, Miller sank two more at the stripe. .B. Miller followed up his own miss to make it a one-point game, only to see Iguodala drive for two, then block Ben Gordon’s potential game-tying trey at the other end. But on the ensuing possession Gordon followed up a desperation Thomas missed 3-ball with a 3-pointer to tie it again, 101-101.

When Iguodala hit just one of two freebies at the other end, the Bulls had the ball down 102-101 with 22.1 seconds remaining. Six other times this year in similar circumstances the Sixers had managed to lose. But this one would not get away, as Dalembert rejected Rose’s driving layup attempt, sending Young away for an uncontested slam.

When Gordon’s heavily contested 3-pointer in the dying seconds spilled into Dalembert’s arms, the 2009 Sixers had given the Spectrum a fitting going away present victory.<

Waking up the Echoes

2009-03-13T18:48:00.003-04:00

Some 50 feet from where I sit, the legend of Doctor J--having been born half a decade or so earlier--unfurled its most memorable moment.

It was in this corner of the Spectrum, for one final time tonight home to the Philadelphia 76ers, that Julius Erving swept around Lakers’ forward Mark Landsberger with the reverse layup from behind the backboard that became his signature shot during the 1980 NBA Finals. .

It was here that Bobby Jones, the staunch sixth man on those Philadelphia teams that were perennial contenders, would regularly block shots or knock down his patented jumper to finish off a break.

And here that wondrous opponents like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Larry Bird, were often at their best, silencing the deafening roars of the home crowd.

Tonight they’ll try to wake up the echoes for a grand finale to a joint that used to be really jumping, as the team’s old slogan used to say. With the wrecking ball due to claim another victim—in the name of progress, of course—later this year, the Sixers and Chicago Bulls are turning back the clock.

Here, in the house Wilt and fellow Hall of Famer Hal Greer helped open, though the Doctor was most instrumental for making it a true home, the NBA has returned for what it hopes will be a memorable one night stand.

No matter what the scoreboard says a few hours from now, though, it figures to be a special occasion. ``This was like all of them,’’ said Del Harris, whose Rockets, Bucks and Lakers fought valiantly through the years, ``The people were right on top of you

``They were like a lot of great teams, so it was a tough place to play.’’

With ``The Doctor’’ back in the house tonight, the 2009 Sixers were hoping the Bulls would find that out for themselves.

Another Big Lead Disappears

2009-03-01T09:29:00.003-05:00

If this is to be the way the first round preview of the playoffs shapes up, then the Sixers and Orlando Magic seem destined for a good one.

Despite being separated by 12 ½ games in the Eastern standings, Tony DiLeo’s team believes it can play with Dwight Howard & Co, especially on nights when “Superman” doesn’t rule the paint.

But playing with them is one thing. Beating them another as Orlando overcame an 11-point foutth quarter deficit to come on strong late and pull out a 106 -100 decision

Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis dropped 23 points apiece, while Courtney Lee added 18, as 43-18 Magic knocked down 15 of a franchise-record tying 37 3-pointers to survive on a night when a foul-plagued Howard failed to grab a first half rebound. The NBA’s leading rebounder did come on to finish with 12 and eight boards, before fouling out.

Andre Miller’s 23 topped the Sixers, who slipped back to the .500 mark while losing to the Magic for the third time in three tries—two of them games that went to the wire here. Andre Iguodala chipped in with 22, while Willie Green and Thaddeus Young scored 19 and 18 respectively.

The Sixers started off beating the Magic at their own game. Philadelphia hit its first three shots from beyond the arc while Orlando went 2-for-7 , as they surged to a 26-16 lead. But back to back treys by Lewis and J.J. Redick late in the period narrowed the gap to 32-26 at the quarter.<

But Philadelphia shrugged that off to push the margin to 44-32 midway through the second on Iguodala’s hoop. Even better, Howard had to go to the bench with his third foul.

Down 46-38 late in the half, Redick and Reggie Evans banged into each other and were hit with a double technical. When Redick reacted excessively to the call he was hit with a second ‘T’ and ejected by referee Bennie Adams.

The Sixers then took their biggest lead, 55-43 on Iguodala’s 3-pointer, and headed to the locker room up 57-45 at the half.

Orlando tried to get back in the game as the third period got underway, closing to 59-54 on Howard’s hoop. But the Sixers responded, Green nailing his second 3-pointer of the night to make it 66-56.

Later they would extend that to 76-63 on Iguodala’s jumper, before the Magic got it down to 80-70 after three, even though Howard had gone to the bench by then with his fourth foul.

A pair of Young hoops maintained a double figure spread, 84-73, as Howard returned. The Magic then began to make their move, Lee draining a trey and a baseline jumper to highlight a 12-0 run that ended when another Lee three gave Orlando its first lead of the night, 86-85.

Now it was Miller’s time to bring the Sixers back, as he went on a 10-point tear of his own. But for each Miller basket the Magic had the answer. The game remained tied heading into the final 2:00, as Orlando continued to bury shots from beyond, Anthony Johnson’s trey their 15th of the night.

Howard broke a 99-99 logjam with one of two at the line, as the clock ticked inside a minute;. That’s where Howard rejected Young on the drive, then Lee turned it over at the other end with 31.5 seconds left.

But Iguodala missed a contested 20-footer, which led to Turkoglu sinking a pair at 21.1 seconds. Iguodala drove hard to the hoop and was fouled by Howard—his sixth--,sinking one of two. But after the second free throw, the Sixers committed a mental error, failing to send anyone back deep. That left Marcin Gortat, Howard’s replacement , alone at the other end for the dunk that sealed their doom.

So the Magic winds up going a perfect 3-for-3 vs. the Sixers, which doesn’t bode well for Philadelphia should they meet again.

Of course, that would mean Tony DiLeo’s gang has at least made the playoffs, right now no certainty with a team that still has 13 road games, including a long Western swing on the horizon.

Maybe then they can figure out a way not to let those big leads vs. the Magic disappear.

Sliver Spoons: NBA Edition

2009-02-28T17:24:00.005-05:00

Don't try this at home.

Lay down on the job. Trash your boss. Act like such a complete, selfish jerk they’re willing to pay you to stay out of the office.

That a sure-fire formula to land you on the unemployment line in even the best of times, which these are certainly not.

Except if you happen to play pro hoops for a living. In that case—and your name is Stephon Marbury—it’s could be your ticket towards getting a championship ring.

In case you missed it, after spending the entire season on the sidelines trading barbs with his employers, the Knicks, Marbury made his debut last night for the reigning champion Celtics, scoring eight points in 13 minutes in Boston’s 104-99 win over Indiana.
That came just three days after Marbury finally convinced the Knicks to release him once he grudgingly conceded to a buyout that cost him a relative pittance of his $22.1 million salary.

Under NBA rules as long as a player is waived prior to March 1, he’s free to sign with anyone—even if it's same team which conceivably traded just a few weeks earlier to a club which simply released him in a pre-arranged deal. It happens all the time.

Which doesn’t mean it doesn’t send off a bad message. ``Everybody’s going to do what gives them the best chance to win,’’ said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, prior to last night’s game with the Sixers. ``I don’t think it’s a great situation to have these buyouts.

``I’m sure the league probably doesn’t like it a whole lot. It lets a team improve without having to make a decision, like we had to when we got Rafer Alston.’’

In other words, why trade players or draft picks when you can pick up something of value for nothing? That’s what the Celtics did this week, signing not only Marbury but veteran big man Mikki Moore off waivers after both players agreed to buyouts with their respective teams. At the same time LeBron and the Cavs are reportedly hoping Oklahoma City will work out a similar deal with veteran forward Joe Smith, so that they can snap him up. And don’t forget the curious case of Antonio McDyess. Traded early in the season by Detroit to Denver as part of the Allen Iverson deal--before it blew up in their faces--the Dice Man convinced the Nuggets to waive him so he could go back to the Pistons.

While that one has proved to be the exception, generally the rich keep getting richer. And it’s got to be particularly galling if you’re a fan of one of these bottom rung teams to see players putting forth token—if any-- effort for their current club, then suddenly go all out once have a chance to play for all the marbles.

A few years back, three of the NBA’s “Final Four’’ featured a player who had whined his way from a bad team to a contender: Glen “Big Dog”’ Robinson, Alonzo Mourning and Jim Jackson. Eventually the Big Dog wound up in San Antonio, alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, winning the title.

But since it’s within the rules, no one seems to care enough to stop it. ``I think it’s bad when players are paid a lot of money and don’t play,’’ said Sixers coach Tony DiLeo, who vividly remembers both Robinson and Chris Webber pulling such a stunt here. ``but it’s within the rules.

``Teams will do it all the time until they change the rules.’’

Van Gundy accepts that, too. He just doesn’t like it. ``The think I don’t like is that I hate to see a team profit without having to do anything,’’ said Van Gundy, whose club had to give up a first round pick to sign Alton once starting point guard. Jameer Nelson went down for the season with an injury ``Part of the challenge for teams is the decision making process.’’

There wasn’t a whole lot to decide for Doc Rivers’ men in green. With Kevin Garnett out for a few weeks with a strained knee, the Celts needed some extra firepower. And you'd be hard pressed finding someone more suited to that than Marbury, a former all-star and Olympian. Plus, they’re adding a needed big body off the bench to take some of the load off Kendrick Perkins.

And what’s the risk? Marbury surely knows this could be his last chance to convince prospective teams not only that he’s got something left in the tank, but that he’s will to swallow his considerable ego for the sake of the team. He’ll undoubtedly be on his best behavior knowing the stakes.

Best of all, should things break right he’ll have a championship to show for it.

For Marbury, Moore and the Celtics, then, it seems like a win-win proposition. But for the public, which hears one horror tale after another on almost a daily basis of busineses going under, massive layoffs, people being uprooted from their homes, it kind of stinks.

Maybe some day when he removes the silver spoon from his mouth , Stephon Marbury and all the rest will get the message and realize just how fortunate they are.

Too bad the NBA isn't the one doing the teaching.

2nd Half Golden for Nuggets

2009-02-18T20:00:00.001-05:00

There’s no longer an Allen Iverson trying to mine gold for the Denver Nuggets this season. Consequently, there’s virtually no longer the likelihood the team from the Rocky Mountain state will find itself in the Lottery come June.

Since Iverson was traded early in the season for savvy veteran Chauncey Billups the Nuggets have been like a team reborn. Last night in their first game back since the all-star break they staggered through a listless first half in which they trailed by as much as 16 points and were still down 10 at intermission.

But in the second half George Karl’s club turned it on, dominating at both ends of the floor as they turned that 10-point hold into as much as a 15-point fourth quarter advantage en route to a 101-89 win that runs their record to 37-17.<

Carmelo Anthony overcame a sluggish start to lead the way with 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Northwest Division leaders. Billups, fresh off an appearance in the All-Star game, was next with 22, while Nene added 17.

Andre Miller led the 27-26 Sixers with 17, before leaving for the night with a strained calf muscle. Lou Williams and Samuel Dalembert chipped in with 15 and 12 respectively, as the Sixers shot just 33% in dropping their second straight out of the break, before they head out on a four-game road trip.

The Sixers should’ve already scraped the rust off, falling behind by 20 points in the first half in Indiana Tuesday and never recovering in a 100-89 loss. The Nuggets, despite coming to town early to get in some workouts, looked like lost souls
throughout a forgettable first half .

Down by as much as 16 early in the second, the Nuggets tried to whittle into the deficit. A Billups’ 3-pointer brought them within 39-32 nearing the two-minute mark. But Miller stopped the bleeding with a short jumper, then tacked on a three free throws and another late hoop to send the Sixers to the locker room up 47-37.<

That’s when ‘Melo, Chauncey & Co. received their wakeup call.
Incredibly, just over two minutes into the second half the Nuggets had the lead, Dahntay Jones capping off a 12-0 burst with a driving layup to put Denver up, 49-47.
Miller finally broke the spell tying it, only to see Denver respond with seven straight.

Still, they weren’t done, Kenyon Martin’s three-point play extending it to 61-51, a 24-4 tear in just 6:46. The Sixers finally showed some life at that point, rookie Maurice Speights triggering a late 13-5 spurt that narrowed the gap to 71-68 after three.

But the lid went back on the bucket at the start of the fourth for Philadelphia, which missed their first nine shots until Samuel Dalembert scored in the paint. The absence of Miller, who left the game midway through the third, certainly didn’t help.

.Meanwhile the Nuggets were breaking it open, baskets by Anthony Carter and Anthony pushing it to 83-70.. The Sixers tried to come back, closing within 84-77 on Dalembert’s free throws at the six-minute mark. But moments later Andre Iguodala fouled out, taking away their most explosive offensive player, despite the fact he managed just 10 points for the night.

The Nuggets were never headed from there, winning going away
.

Feeling the Pain

2009-02-18T18:37:00.004-05:00

Tracy McGrady is only the latest, but probably not the last.

Elton Brand... Al Jefferson…. Michael Red…. Jamie Nelson… Andrew Bout… Andrew Bynum

That’s a list of NBA players already gone for the season, or at the very least not due back until April. That’s a sampling of the devastating injuries that are hitting teams in places where it really hurts.

And that doesn’t even include players who’ve either missed all or most of the action to this point like Gilbert Arenas (yet to play), Carlos Boozer (12 games), Chris Kaman (15), Mike Dunleavy (18), Zach Randolph (33), Kevin Martin (33), Tyson Chandler (32), Kirk Hinrich (22) and Monte Ellis (11).

Major injuries have become an epidemic in pro hoops—and no one really can figure out why. Is it simply a fluke, a series of guys being in the wrong place at the wrong time, turning in a funny way and twisting something? Or are the laws of physics at work, where all those big bodies colliding with each other at high speeds over the course of 82 games are bound to create problems?

``We have to figure out how to take better care of our bodies,’’ suggested Nuggets coach George Karl, prior to his team’s game with the Sixers last night. ``I think we’re pushing them to the limit.

``I think things have to be corrected, but it will probably take a hundred years for it to happen.’’

In other words, don’t look for any intrinsic changes in the game or the way it’s played in the near future. ``A lot of these guys are playing all summer,’’ seconded Sixers veteran big man, Theo Ratliff, who’s had his share of injuries—both major and minor—over the course of his 13-year career. ``They never stop and rest.

``By doing that they’re depleting their bodies of certain minerals and their bodies become weaker.

``People neglect the importance of understanding rest. They want to push themselves every single day.When you do that your body constantly gets beaten up and tends to break down.

``But it seems to be happening a whole lot more now than it has been.’’

The end result has turned the trainer’s room into a M*A*S*H* unit, with players going down on a regular basis—and too often to suit the team and their fans--staying down. ``It’s a shame for the NBA,’’ said Sixers coach, Tony DiLeo, who can certainly identify, having lost Brand for the count with a dislocated shoulder that required surgery.

``Every team wants to play a team a team that’s at full strength.

` ``I don’t have any theories on it.’’

` Instead he’ll just cross his fingers and hope the epidemic doesn’t spread to his team again rather than the next guy.

Because it only seems a matter of time before someone else starts feeling their pain.<

. *` * *

While there was none of the buzz of last year’s meeting here—when Allen Iverson kissed the court upon his return to his old stomping grounds, Nuggets’ coach George Karl noted how much his team has changed. ``Most people in Denver know my ideal situations was to have A.I. (Iverson) and Andre Miller together,’’ said Karl, whose 36-17 club leads the Northwest Division. ``That was what I was hoping we could do.

``We tried to do it for 2 ½ years with a scoring mentality at the point guard position and in general we’re seeing that this team operates better with a different mentality.

```Andre’s one of the truest point guards in the League. He’s not a high talent guy, but he’s an IQ guys An efficiency guy. A guy who makes the coach’s pass more than the highlight pass.

Not to mention being a guy whom many teams would covet as today’s trading deadline looms at 3:00 P.M>, though it appears unlikely the Sixers will be moving him.

Countdown to the Deadline

2009-02-16T21:47:00.003-05:00

Sixty-five.

That's how many hours remain until the NBA's trading deadline, which strikes at 3:00 P.M. Thursday. That’s when the respective fates of Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Marcus Camby, Andre Miller and the rest will be sealed.

And that’s when those players who once had the skills to convince their teams to open the vault—Raef LaFrentz, Wally Szczerbiak, Drew Gooden, Jerry Stackhouse come on down!—players whose only intrinsic value now comes through their soon-to-be-expiring contracts—will know whose bench they’ll be sitting on the rest of the season.

Deadline day is always a nervous time for players—and as it turned out for at least one coach, with news the host Suns celebrated All-Star Weekend by eating the remaining year-and-a-half of Terry Porter’s contract and dumping him after just 51 games. Those who’ve been around the block a few times have learned to ignore it best they can, wait until the deadline passes, then see how it all shakes out.

But for the multi-talented Stoudemire, who’s given reason to believe he’ll be opting out of his current deal after next season so the Suns might as well trade him now, this is virgin territory.

You know you never forget your first trade.

As the clock continues ticking down---like nearly three full episodes of “24” where the action never stops,--the pressure will only build leading up to the deadline. But compounding the usual business of basketball is the unusual reality of our times.

Namely that saving money rather than winning games seems most teams’ primary concern.

While contracts are generally the focal point of any trade—mainly because salaries exchanged between teams have to come close to matching each other—this year it’s become excessive. The Suns certainly wouldn’t be shopping perennial all-star Stoudemire if not for the fact Phoenix is on the verge of going over the NBA’s luxury tax threshold. Desperate to get salaries under that threshold, there are strong indications the decision to fire Porter may prompt Suns’ owner Robert Sarver to reconsider.

Even though his team seems bound for a quick playoff exit—assume it even makes the playoffs in the first place—Sarver may be willing to see if Stoudemire is invigorated by the move to replace Porter with assistant Alvin Gentry. The 53-year-old Gentry, who previously coached the Pistons, Heat and Clippers, has vowed to bring back the popular run ‘n gun style of Porter’s predecessor Mike D'antoni, which brought out the best in Amar’e.

But other franchises may not be so willing to wait. The New Orleans Hornets, despite winning the hearts of their old city in the wake of Hurricane Katrina thanks to Chris Paul, are said to be hemorrhaging money. That may give them no choice but to unload their top rebounder, Chandler’s hefty contract for something short term.

Similar scenarios abound throughout the League. With the deadline looming teams must decide if it’s in their best interest to make a move that might help them for now but cost them later. Or should they simply cut their losses today, regroup, then devise a strategy that might pay off down the road?

Sixty-four hours from now it will all become clear. Sixty-four hours for the phones to ring, the stakes to be raised or lowered, the bluffs to be made in the poker game that has become trading in the NBA.

Tick… tick… tick.

LeBron, Nuggets Cop Mid-Season Awards

2009-02-14T00:02:00.004-05:00

The cream of the hoops world has assembled in Phoenix to celebrate itself during the annual extravaganza known as a All-Star Weekend. It will be three days of hearing all about—and finally seeing--the greatness of LeBron and Kobe, D Wade and Chris Paul, etc.

That, combined with tonight’s Rookie vs. Sophomores game, coupled with tomorrow’s array of specialized .competitions like the slam dunk, 3-point shootout and a newly re-instituted version of the popular game H-O-R-S-E, make it a long, but always eventful weekend.

By the time they and their teammates reconvene Tuesday to finish off the final 30 or so games of the season, and set the stage for the upcoming playoffs, there won’t be that much opportunity to make up ground. Some 48 hours later the NBA trading deadline strikes, the last chance for teams to either bolster their lineups for the stretch or dump contracts, with hopes of a better tomorrow.

But before we jump too far ahead it’s time for The Inside Hoop to take a look back and present its first Midseason Awards, carrying on an old tradition back when there were newspapers rather than websites giving readers the latest. Feel free to disagree.

Biggest Surprises: Team

3. Hawks—Building on their first round seven-game scare of the eventual champion Celtics, Atlanta has posted 31 wins heading into the break. And they’ve done it despite not having regulars Josh Smith and Al Horford for long stretches. But the Hawks have six players averaging double figures, topped by Joe Johnson’s 21.6.

2. Heat—With a healthy Dwyane Wade, joined by Michael Beasley the No. 2 pick in the draft no one expected Miami to repeat last year’s 15-67 debacle. But the Heat currently stand 28-24, fifth in the East and Wade hasn’t missed a game. Today’s Shawn Marion for Jermaine O’Neal and Jamario trade gives Miami a needed big body inside and a nice role player.

1. Nuggets—This was a team most expected on the outside looking in come playoff time. Instead, one trade—Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups—plus a commitment to defense and outstanding play from unheralded Nene and veteran Kenyon Martin has made Denver the leaders in the Northwest. And that’s with Carmelo Anthony missing 15 games.
Honorable Mention: Bucks, Magic

Biggest Disappointment—Team

3. Pistons—The Iverson trade was the supposed to make Detroit a factor in the East, not an afterthought. But since the deal they’re a mediocre 23-24, currently seventh in the Conference. After bowing out in the Conference Finals for the third straight year GM Joe Dumars vowed things would change. He’s right. The way the Pistons are going they probably won’t get out of the first round.

2. Wizards—Playing without Gilbert Arenas is nothing new for the Wizards. They’d done it—and made the playoffs—two straight seasons. So to see Washington at the break a sorry 11-42—with longtime coach Eddie Jordan long gone and replacement Ed Tapscott seemingly overmatched—is a bit shocking. Any team with Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler simply shouldn’t be this bad.

1. Kings—Another team which has already dumped its coach and still gone nowhere. Not that Sacramento was being counted as a playoff team, with Kevin Martin, Brad Miller and John Salmons leading the way, along with some young players with big upside.
But they weren’t supposed to be 11-43, worst record in the league, either.
Honorable Mention: Suns, Clippers., Warriors

Most Improved: Player

3. David Lee—Not only are the Knicks suddenly respectable, they have a legit player to build around. In his fourth season Lee has quietly come into his own, averaging 16.4 and 11.8 rebounds—third best in the league. A restricted free agent, the key for Mike D’Antoni's club is to figure out a way to sign him this summer without giving up future cap space for a 2010 run at LeBron, Chris Bosh and/or Amar'e Stoudamire.

2. Devin Harris— Evidently the Mavericks had the right guy to run their offense all along. They just didn’t know it and traded Harris to the Nets for Jason Kidd. This year he’s been a sensation, averaging 21.8 and 6.5 assists, which can’t help but bode well for the Nets future—wherever they wind up playing.

1. Paul Millsap—This mid second round draft choice in 2007, whose job had been spelling Carlos Boozer for Utah, has been a revelation when pressed into fulltime duty by Boozer’s injury. Averaging 14.7 and 9.2 rebounds while shooting at a 55% clip, Millsap posted 19 straight double-doubles at one point. . From the same Louisiana Tech school that brought you the Mailman, Karl Malone, he’s delivered, too.
Honorable Mention: Danny Granger, Nene :

Biggest Busts: Player

3. Amar’e Stoudemire—How can a player voted to the All-Star team be considered a bust? Looking at his modest numbers (21.0, 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks),they're down almost across the board from last year and his team is currently ninth—and out—in the West’s playoff picture—leading to Stoudemire begging for a trade, that’s why he’s on the list.

2. Samuel Dalembert – He’s playing better now. But for much of the season Dalembert was a disaster. His ineffective offense coupled with his inconsistencies on defense resulted in him being benched for long periods of time. But since Elton Brand went down and out, Sammy D’s been a little better.

1 Baron Davis—Since leaving Golden State and signing a multi-year deal with the Clippers, Baron has been a major disappointment. More than his sinking stats, he’s been a problem child from the start, making you wonder why he signed there in the first place. Perhaps the Clippers are taking out frustrations over the Elton Brand fiasco on him, but this has been a bad marriage from the start.
Honorable Mention: Luol Deng, Mike Miller

Coach of the Year

3. Doc Rivers—Winning one championship is apparently not enough for Doc and the men in green, who punch the clock every night. Boston’s work ethic and commitment to defense is impressive, and Rivers is the one who deserves much of the credit. The key for them now is beating out LeBron and the Cavs for best record and the crucial home court advantage in the East that comes with it.

2. Stan Van Gundy—Orlando was considered a good team this year, but not truly upper echelon—even with Dwight Howard. But Van Gundy has had them not only running away in the Southeast but right in the thick of the race for the Conference’s best record. Losing all-star point guard Jameer Nelson is a killer blow, but Van Gundy figures to still conjure plenty of victories. Might be vulnerable in the playoffs, though, when teams figure to clamp down on Howard and blanket shooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.

1. George Karl—For those who thought the game had passed Karl by, guess you were wrong. Denver has been far more successful than the sum of its parts—Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin, Chauncey Billups, J.R,.Smith, Nene, Dahntay Jones, Linas Kleiza—and Karl’s the main reason why. Sustaining it through the regular season into the playoffs won’t be easy, but don’t rule them out.
Honorable Mention:-- Tony DiLeo, Mike Woodson

Rookie of the Year

3. O.J. Mayo—Leads all rookies in scoring (19.3) and also up there in rebounds, assists and 3-pointers. Mayo’s Grizzlies have looked better lately since Lionel Hollins took over from Marc Iavoron, and Mayo is a big reason why. Needs to tone his game down a bit, though, which should come with time.

2. Brook Lopez—Surprisingly he lasted until No. 10 in the Draft and it’s hard to understand why. Lopez has provided scoring (12,.3, rebounding (8.1) and defense (1.9) for a Nets team that’s not very good, despite Vince Carter and the emergence of Devin Harris. He should only get better as he learns the game and how to use his body. Looks like the Nets have a big man to grow with.

1. Derrick Rose—Yes,he can get out of control at times and he tends to forget he has four teammates with him on the floor. But there’s no doubting his raw talent (17.0 points, 6.3 assists) and the way he can dominate a game. As Rose matures and learns to harness his talent he’ll keep getting better and better. Long suffering Bulls fans can’t wait.
Honorable Mention—Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook:

MVP
3.Dwight Howard—“Superman” has done it all for the Magic, leading the league in rebounds (14.1) and blocks (2.9) to go with his scoring (20.5). Teams usually pay so much attention to him it leaves Orlando’s shooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, free. If they guard the perimeter Howard kills them inside. And his foul shooting (59%) is getting better, too.

2.Kobe Bryant –You can flip a coin between the game’s two best players and not lose either way. Those who like Kobe point to his ability to dominate almost at will, along with the Lakers’ NBA best 42-10 mark. Detractors will cite his 35.0% 3-point shooting, along with his occasion knack of forgetting to involve his teammates. But when the game’s on the line he’s pure cold blooded.

1. LeBron James—As dominating, as explosive as Kobe is, though, LeBron goes him one better. Now that he’s sinking his free throws (career best 78%) teams can’t just send him to the line. Besides being a scoring machine he loves to pass the ball.
Other than his proclivity to shoot the 3, rather than take it to the hoop, what’s not to love about the guy who makes the Cavs a legit title contender.
Honorable Mention: Dwayne Wade, Chauncey Billups

By the time they get out of Phoenix and back to business., the stage should be set for quite a second half showdown.

With the Lakers and Celtics still favorites to meet again for the whole ball of wax come June, only this time for Kobe. Paul Gasol & Co. to take hom the prize.

Bear Trapping

2009-02-11T19:07:00.006-05:00

With the NBA All-Star break looming would this be a night the Sixers took care of business and trapped the Lottery-bound yet still dangerous Memphis Grizzlies? Or would they fall into the clutches of a team that had won its last two straight and close out what had been a pretty successful home stand on a down note?

To lose to the 15-36 Griz would put a serious damper on their current 4-2 stretch at the Wachovia Center, not to winning mention 13 of their last 17 since early January. A win, though, would not only mark this as a successful homestand, but put the wheels in motion for what they hope will be a strong second-half run that could conceivably earn Philadelphia home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Entering the night the 26-24 are currently seventh in the East, but only ½ game behind No. 6 Miami and one game behind Allen Iverson and the Pistons. No. 4 belongs solidly to Atlanta at the moment, though the 30-21 Hawks always have the potential to fall back among the pack Of course, the goal is to avoid finishing 6th, 7th, or 8th and thereby avoid a first round matchup with one of the East’s big three, the Celtics, Cavs and Magic who are separated by 2 ½ games--in that order.

Another reason why winning this one is so important is that the schedule turns tougher for the Sixers coming out of the break. Philadelphia will open in Indiana and play five of its first six games on the road. Then, in mid-March they embark on a five-game Western swing that starts with the Lakers and includes Phoenix and Portland.

How the Sixers stand coming out of that grueling stretch, will go a long ways to determining their playoff seed and the chances to advance. But that won’t help Sixers President/General Manager Ed Stefanski decide what to do about Andre Miller, leading up to next Thursday’s trading deadline.

With the 32-year-old Miller in the last year of his contract and giving no indications—positive or negative—whether he’d like to return, it’s sheer conjecture what Stefanski & Co., have in mind. Should he determine it’s unlikely they’ll be able resign Miller, it’s just as unclear what he’ll bring on the trade market.

Obviously, adding Miller to a contending team in need of a experienced point guard—or a team which feels on the verge of contending—like Portland, Orlando could bring some nice pieces in return. On the other hand, trading Miller might doom the Sixers to the Lottery or else insure a quick first round exit.

But before worrying about any of that the Sixers had the matter of dealing with the Grizzlies. With plenty at stake they needed to make sure to get the bear, rather than letting the bear get them.

Blotting out the Suns

2009-02-09T19:48:00.003-05:00

The past few years nobody would dare run with the Phoenix Suns, who made the 24-second shot clock as irrelevant as the old peach basket.

My how times have changed. Now that Mike D’Antoni has moved from the desert to Broadway—replaced by former Bucks’ coach Terry Porter—Phoenix still likes to pick up the pace, especially when Steve Nash is dishing out 21 assists like he did in Sunday’s road win over the Pistons. But the Suns no longer chuck 3-pointers like it’s part of the job requirement nor do they have the depth and firepower as before.

However, there is one thing these Suns have in common with their ancestors. They still don’t play much defense.

Facing the Sixers last night less than 24 hours after knocking off Detroit, Philadelphia had a freeway to the basket along with a number of other uncontested shots, as they surged to an 11-point halftime lead. They stretched that to 17 in the third and were comfortably ahead by 14 heading into the final period.

From there it was never in doubt, the Sixers building as much as a 20-point cushion, before coasting home, 108-91.

Thaddeus Young poured in 25 points to lead the way for the Sixers, who pounded the Suns on the boards, 54-41, while forcing 18 turnovers, improving to a season’s best two games over .500, 26-24. Rookie Maurice Speights was right behind with a career-high 24. 16 coming during the first half, while Andre Iguodala followed with 22.

Amare Stoudemire, who said he’d like to be traded by the February 19 trade deadline, topped the 28-22 Suns with 19, while Jason Richardson added 16. Shaquille O’Neal, also rumored to be on the block, pulled down 10 rebounds, before both he and Nash sat down for the night midway through the third quarter.

Before the game Porter expressed confidence that his team was putting the distraction of all those trade rumors behind them. ``Since I’ve been a player there have always been those daily rumors around this time,’’ said Porter, a former all-star performer with Portland, who also played in Minnesota, Miami and San Antonio. ``It’s part of the business.

``There aren’t many guys in this lockerroom who don’t understand it’s all a part of the job. You have to block it out.

``When you’ve been around a long time you know it (a trade) could happen any second. If you try to anticipate it you can’t do it.

``After the deadline your mindset changes. You can settle down, because you know you’re going to be here. As a coach the same thing can be said. You know this is the team you’re going to have.

The team Porter has is currently engaged in a six team struggle for five playoff spots out West. But they looked overmatched by the Sixers in this one—surrendering an astounding 15 dunks and a bunch of layups. That’s partly attributable to fatigue from having to go back-to-back and partly attributable to Philadelphia’s athleticism, as the Sixers—once 13-20-- won for the 13th time in the last 17.<

They’ll try to make it 14 of 18 and wrap up this season long home-stand tomorrow vs. Memphis, while the Suns go against LeBron James and East-leading Cavs, before both head off to the all-star break.

Zink And Other Spectrum Memories

2009-02-09T18:38:00.005-05:00

The man who threw the most famous pass in Spectrum history says--17 years later—says his job was the easy part.

And his coach still remembers the home team's inimitable public address announcer calling out the name of the team's star for the world to hear.

With the building soon to be closed and eventually brougbt down, those Spectrum memories came rushing back to the Suns' Grant Hill and Phoenix coach Terry Porter before they took on the Sixers at the Wachovia Center last night.

``There's a lot of history there,'' said Hill, who was a key part of arguably the Spectrum's biggest play in Duke's memorable 104-103 overtime win over Kentucky in the 1992 Eastern Regionals. It was Hill, then a sophomore for Mike Krzyzewksi's Blue Devils, who fired a perfect length of the court inbounds pass to Christian Laettner, who turned and knocked down the game winner in what many still call college basketball's greatest game ever played. ``A lot of great games and great players who played there,’’ continued Hill, now in his 13th NBA season, second in Phoenix.
.
``Early in my career I used to be reminded of it. My first couple of years I played there. It certainly meant a lot at the time, so it's always a special place.''

For Porter, who debuted in 1985 with the Portland Trailblazers, he'll never forget the player introductions of P.A. man Dave Zink off--known to all as ``The Zink'' ``
He'd go Julius Errrrrrving!'' recalled Porter of his Spectrum memories. ``That’s the only thing I remember.
``They had good crowds back then and the fans were unruly. It was typical Philadelphia.’’

Yet for Hill, who’s always reminded of that pass come March Madness time, back then he didn’t truly appreciate the moment. ``In the middle of a game like that you’re just trying to win,’’ he explained. ``It’s not until the next day, the next week you realize how special it was..

``But I had the easy part. Christian had to make the shot.’’

Perhaps, but without such a great pass it’s unlikely Laettner, who didn’t miss a shot from the field or the line the entire night, would’ve been in position to get a good shot.

And make history at the soon to be late, great Spectrum in the process.

* * *

Besides his Spectrum moment the other thing Grant Hill is known for is having a good chunk of his career wiped out by injury. So he can surely identify with Elton Brand, who had successful surgery to repair his torn labrum yesterday.

```This will give him more time to get his knee and shoulder stronger,’’ said the 36-year-old Hill . ``From what I heard his knee didn’t look right.

``It takes time. I just never got better. The main thing for me was to be patient. Since it got better the knee hasn’t bothered me.

``He just signed a new contract, so he has to make sure he gets healthy. But he’s a strong guy. He’ll be back and get a chance to show what he is.

``I’m sure he still has it.’’

If Elton Brand can use Grant Hill as a role model, the Sixers will have no complaints.

D Wade Not Enough

2009-02-07T18:42:00.008-05:00

Some 90 miles to the North—and then all the way up to Boston—it’s been a memorable week for hoops. Within a 48-hour span first Kobe Bryant, then LeBron James took Broadway by storm, erupting for a record 61 and 52 points respectively in a pair of virtuoso performances.

Not to be outdone, the reigning champion Celtics and Lakers went to the wire—and then some—before the Kobe & Co. Lakers prevailed 110-109 in overtime., clinching the season’s series in the process. That means should they wind up with the same record, then both advance to a rematch in the Finals, this time the Lakers would have home court advantage.

But last night the NBA spotlight shifted to the Wachovia Center, where another of the game’s elite players was on stage. Dwyane Wade, who needed well over a year to fully recover from the same shoulder surgery for a torn labrum Elton will be facing Monday, has been spectacular since last summer when he led the U.S.. to the gold in Beijing.

Wade came to town leading the League in scoring at a 28.5 per game pace, a fraction ahead of James with Bryant (27.5) right behind. He’s also ninth in assists (7.2) and third in steals (2.15), while leading the 26-22 Heat, which staggered home last season at 15-67 to 26-23 mark, 6th best in the East.

Adding rookies Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers to a mix that includes Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem and Jamaal Magloire has recaptured interest in South Beach, following a forgettable season. But like LeBron in Cleveland, Kobe in L.A and Dwight Howard in Orlando, it’s D-Wade who makes the Heat go.

Taking on the Sixers in the fifth game of Philadelphia’s season high seven game homestand, Wade and his mates found themselves in a ragged contest where neither team could generate much offense after the first quarter. But after building an eight point lead late in the third, it all came apart or D-Wade & Co., the Sixers going on a 23-5 run break open a tight game on their way to a 94-84 win.

Seven players reached double figures00topped by Andre Miller and rookie Maurice Speights with 15 points apiece for Philly, which nudged back above the .500 mark to 25-24 while improving to 3-2 on this current home stand. Wade had to settle for 21, shooting just 8-for-19 from the floor, as his teammates didn't provide much support.

With the game tied 44-44 at the half, Wade promptly got Miami going to start the third, as the moved out to 50-44 advantage, later pushing it to 55-48 on Chalmers’ 3-pointer. At that stage the Sixers had gone a sorry 8-for-26, 30.8 % since their first quarter 11-for-15 scoring binge.

That when the Sixers came to life, Tony DiLeo putting four subs and Andre Iguodala on the floor. Their persistence finally paid off when Speights fed Royal Ivey for a layup, giving the Sixers 74-73 lead, Ivey followed that up with a 3-pointer to make it 79-74.,.

They were just getting started, as Thaddeus Young drained another trey, then Ivey soloed off a steal and Reggie Evans scored inside to cap a 23-5 run, making it 84-7. Yet one more Ivey 3-ball locked it up, 89-78 with 3 `1/2 minutes left.

Not as dramatic as the exploits of Kobe and LeBron, who went head to head earlier today, with an ailing Bryant and the Lakers snapping Cleveland's 23-0 home mark, 101-91. But a statement in its own right, too.

Garden Parties

2009-02-06T00:53:00.015-05:00

"Anything You can do I can do better...''
Annie Get Your Gun

So Kobe Bryant went off for 61 points Monday night at Madison Square, the most anyone has ever scored in the history of the so-called ``World's Most Favorite Arena.'' Not to be outdone, LeBron James merely posted a triple double there two nights later--pouring in 52, to go with 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

For 36 hours that made "King James'' the first player since Kareem Adbul-Jabbar to put up a triple double by scoring 50. But this afternoon, after reviewing the tapes, the NBA took away one of his boards, instead giving it to teammate Ben Wallace. In the process LeBron's historic triple-double disappeared, too.

Tonight, at MSG don't look for any individual milestones or near milestones. The reigning champion Celtics don't play that way. Instead the defense-challenged Knicks will undoubtedly learn once again there's no "I" in T-E-A-M.

That was hardly the case earlier this week when both Kobe and LeBron used the Garden as their personal showcases. They said there was something about the place that brought out the best in them. At the same time, as entertaining as it may be when one man stands out above the rest--as first Bryant, then James did within a 48 hour span--the fact remains that pro hoops is at its best when all five players are in sync.

Which is what made Thursday night's classic between the Celtics and Lakers--played in a different Garden--the parquet floor of Boston's TD Banknorth Garden, the essence of the game. Forty-eight minutes weren't enough to settle this showdown between last year's Finalists, whom many expect to see again in this year's Final.

It went down to the final shot in overtime, Ray Allen's desperation 3-pointer which was contested by Derek Fisher, whom Allen--and Celts' coach Doc Rivers--insisted fouled him.

But the whistles were silent to Kobe and his mates' relief, something which seldom has happend to visiting teams in Boston through the years. In fact, an argument could be made that the zebras were siding with the visitors, particularly when they nailed Kevin Garnett for his sixth foul when he shoved Fisher out of the way pursuing a loose ball with 4:22 left in regulation.

Don't let that take away from the drama that unfolded. Having already snapped the Celts' 19-game winning streak Christmas Day in Hollywood, this time Garnett, Allen, Paul Pierce & Co. had a 12-game streak on the line.

For most of the night facing the Andrew Bynum-less Lakers in the battle for the best record in basketball, they seemed destined to extend it. That would square the season's series between the two in terms of post-season tiebreakers. But Bryant, held in check most of the night by a swarming Pierce, drained three fourth-quarter 3-pointers to keep them alive, then L.A. played tight last-minute defense to force overtime.

The extra session again went to the wire. Finally, after Paul Gssol blocked Glen "Big Baby'' Davis' shot and Lamar Odom was subsequently fouled, Odom made both free throws to give the Lakers a 110-109 lead. L.A's defense took it from there, setting the stage for yet another duel between two of the League's best when the Lakers meet LeBron's Cavs Sunday in Cleveland.

By that time a wondrous week of pro hoops will have passed; one which has featured the sublime--Kobe and LeBron's Garden parties-- to go with the ridiculous--the Suns' 48-point destruction of the Kings. How it plays out come May and June--where the Lakers now hold the tiebreaker over the Celtics in terms of home court advantage should they meet in the Finals--is still a long ways from being scripted.

No matter what, though, topping the Garden parties in New York and Boston that pro hoops fans been privileged to witness this week, will take some doing.

Brand-No

2009-02-05T19:00:00.016-05:00

Like a beneficiary of "The Godfather'' they made Elton Brand the proverbial offer he couldn't refuse. That's what lured him to Philadelphia last summer in the first place.

Coming off a torn Achilles which sidelined him the first 74 games last season, Brand couldn't help but assume this year could only get better.

Well, considering the buildup that came with his arrival, coupled with his--and the team's--on court struggles in the earlygoing which led to the removal of coach Maurice Cheeks, leading up to the shoulder injury which short-circuited his season, he may have to reconsider.

The book is now closed on Year One of what was billed as a Brand New era of Sixers basketball, after the shoulder Brand dislocated December 17 when he came down hard on the back of Milwaukee's Luc Mbah a Moute, never responded to treatment and rest. Six games after he returned to action--showing little of his career 20 points and 10 rebound per game form--and the free agent prize of the off-season, Brand is shutting it down for the year.

Monday he'll undergo surgery to repair the damage, with the hope he'll be good as new when the Sixers head back to training camp next October. Until then this nightmarish past six months will serve as a painful memory.

Presumably, by the next time Brand laces them up, his team will have a better idea how to integrate him into its system. They may also well have a new coach unless interim man Tony DiLeo, who hadn't been on a bench--pro or college--in nearly two decsdes when he replaced Cheeks, convinces Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski he's more valuable to the franchise in that capacity than heading back to the front office.

Clearly from the beginning Brand and the Sixers were a poor fit. The big guy was simply unable to play at the high octane pace his younger, more athletic teammates thrive at, resulting in a team that couldn't run, couldn't shoot and couldn't defend with him on the court. That's not to say Brand couldn't play, but that the mix was poorly conceived.

It was hardly coincidence that once he went down with the shoulder injury the Sixers began to find their stride. Philadelphia's vaunted running game, which had been essentially put in mothballs while they struggled fitfully trying to play the halfcourt game with Brand as the focal point, suddenly returned. The Sixers also began to hit their shots, specifically the 3-pointer which had never been a Cheeks favorite.

The Sixers reeled off a seven-game winning streak, then braced for Brand's inevitable return. When he did come back, though it was apparent that while he was nowhere near the presence that has made him an all-star and one of the top power forwards in the game, he was beginning to adapt to his new surroundings. That's what gives hope to the future when a healthy Brand rejoins the club, a team that will have a better understanding how to best incorporate him into the lineup.

That's for down the road, of course. For the present the Sixers, now 24-24 after holding off Indiana's 3-point brigade, 99-94 last night, are gearing up to make a stretch drive towards the playoffs. Any post-season stay, though, figures to be brief, which is why they still must decide within the next two weeks leading to the Feb. 19 trading deadline what to do with soon-to-be-free-agent Andre Miller.

Unless Stefanski gets another offer he simply can't refuse, look for the Sixers to pretty much remain intact. Look for players like Thaddeus Young and Maurice Speights to continue to improve, knowing there's no Brand lurking to take away their minutes and slow their development, while Andre Iguodala will be the heart of the offense.

Elton Brand will be heard from again. He's been too good for too long to eventually not become a factor in the Sixers climb up the NBA ladder.

But his first year in Philadelphia will be best forgotten. In retrospect it may have well been doomed from the start.

A Potentially Fatal Five

2009-02-04T01:21:00.019-05:00

There's still plenty of ink to be spilled before the season runs dry on the 2009 Sixers, of whom much was expected when this season began. Still 35 games to play, enough time to put on a strong finishing kick--or to be kicked.

It's sheer speculation which way they'll go, following last night's latest debacle--a 100-99 loss to the reigning champion Celtics brought about by Tony DiLeo's team committing the cardinal sin of hoops. With the game on the line, the men in green needing a hoop to force overtime or a 3-pointer to win, they allowed deadeye Ray Allen to spot up behind the line for game winning trey with .5 second left.

If you're keeping count that's now five times the Sixers have allowed the winning shot at or near the buzzer--and the second time a 3-ball proved their undoing.
Five times where a defensive stop would mean victory--and they came up short.

Remember those potentially fatal five in April when their fate is ultimately sealed.

First, in a pre-Thanksgiving game back in November Orlando's Rashard Lewis' three with 4.7 seconds left gave the Magic a 96-94 win. The game winner came on a play remarkably similar to the one that beat them last night when Thaddeus Young went to help out against Hedo Turkoglu, who was driving to the basket. That was all Turkoglu needed to suddenly pull up, then drop it off to Lewis, unguarded in the corner. Last night Young came out to challenge Paul Pierce, who immediately stopped on a dime, whipped a pass to an eager Allen spotting up behind the line.

Ballgame!

In between those two crushers were three other last second L's that could've been averted--which doesn't even include Saturday's agonizing 85-83 loss to the Nets when the Sixers missed their final 18 shots and blew a 17-point lead in the process.

On December 20 T.J. Ford's 20-footer with 3.8 seconds left gave injury depleted Indiana--missing three of its top four leading scorers, Danny Granger, Marquis Daniels and Troy Murphy--a stunning 95-94 win; the first loss of the Tony DiLeo era.

Less than two weeks later, January 3, after rallying from 21 points down at the quarter to take the lead, the Sixers fell 108-106 to the Spurs when Tony Parker tracked down the rebound of a Manu Ginobili shot, turned and drained a 20-footer at the buzzer.

Next came Martin Luther King Day, January 19, having run off 12 points in the last two minutes to tie the game this one appeared to be headed towards overtime. That's when Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki's delivered the latest dagger, 95-93, hitting a turn around jumper at the buzzer with Reggie Evans in his face.

In fairness the Sixers have won some close games this season, including one where they rallied from 26 points down in Indiana, along with a recent 14-point come-from-behind win in Houston, where Samuel Dalembert blocked Tracy McGrady's shot on the final possession.

But that still doesn't add up to as many heartbreaking losses as the Sixers have suffered. Some two months from now the full toll of it all will be clear

They have until then to reverse the trend, so it doesn't come back to haunt them.

Net Loss

2009-01-31T19:20:00.019-05:00

Having finally surpassed mediocrity--creeping over the .500 mark with a 10-point win over the hapless Wizards Friday---the Sixers set out to build on their success taking on their Atlantic Division rival New Jersey Nets last night.

Ouch! Leading by eight at the half then using a 14-point run to increase that to 17 by late in the third, the Sixers seemed well on their way to their 12th win in the last 14 games. But somebody forgot to tell the Nets, who clamped down defensively and gradually worked their way back in it, getting a late dunk from rookie Brook Lopez with 17.8 seconds remaining to complete an improbable comeback, 85-83.

``It goes to show when you play a little defense you give yourself a chance,'' said Nets' coach Lawrence Frank, after his team held the Sixers without a field goal over the final 10:38--including 18 straight misses--to win for only the second time in the last 10 games. ``Our role players just stepped up and found a way.

``Now we need to build from this.''

Down the hall the stunned Sixers were saying how they needed to wipe this quickly from their memory and move on, knowing next on the agenda is a visit from the reigning champion Celtics Tuesday. But after going up 74-57 with 4:16 left in the third thanks to that 14-0 run, Philadelphia scored just nine more points--and only two field goals--the rest of the way.

``We just stopped playing our game,'' said Andre Iguodala, who finished with 18 points, one less than Andre Miller. ``It was a bad, bad loss, one that leaves a bad taste in our mouths,''

``We controlled the whole game,'' added Lou Williams, who missed a foul-line jumper after Lopez dunk put the Nets up 84-83, his fourth miss of the period. ``To lose like that is tough.''

Especially since the Sixers seemed in complete control most of the night, despite a solid inside effort from Lopez (24 and 17 rebounds) along with recently named all-star guard Devin Harris (17, to go with a last second block of Royal Ivey's desperation 3-pointer with .1 left.

Even with Samuel Dalembert limited by a sprained ankle and Elton Brand playing only sparingly, the Sixers seemed well on their way to a win that would've moved them further up the Eastern Conference standings.

Miller got them going early, scoring 18 in the first half as the Sixers came on strong late to lead 58-50 at intermission. Using their fast break combined with the the Nets' inability to hit the open shot they used a 14-0 run to open it up to 74-57
late in the third, putting this on the verge of being a rout.

With Vibce Carter gone for the night with a sprained ankle and Harris struggling, the Nets seemed doomed. Instead, New Jersey rose from the dead to shut the Sixers down at one end, while gradually whittling the lead down to striking distance.

The end result left the Sixers reeling, while stamping the Sixers as certifiably mediocre not only for the night, but entire season.

Iron Man Still Going

2009-01-31T18:32:00.006-05:00

Samuel Dalembert will never be confused with Cal Ripken Jr.

But for the 236th consecutive time he will lace them up when the Sixers take on the New Jersey Nets tonight, something that seemed a longshot when he sprained his ankle in the midst of Friday's 104-94 win over Washington and never returned.

Less than 24 hours later, though, the Sixers saw enough progress in Dalembert's condition to put him back on the floor, in the process delaying Elton Brand's return to the starting lineup at least one more night.

`` I am surprised,'' admitted Sixers coach Tony DiLeo, less than an hour before Dalembert, who trails only Tayshaun Prince, Michael Finley, Derek Fisher and teammate Andre Miller among active playerw, was cleared to play. ``Last night when he went down it looked pretty bad.

``But he got treatment on it today. It wasn't so much a lot of swelling as it was tender. It will be Sam's call and our trainer (Kevin Johnson)'s.

Evidently they felt confident enough to give the __ year-old Dalembert to go-ahead. That meant Brand, who has continued to look more and more impressive as he works his way back into the lineup after missing a month, will again come off the bench.

Will the Sixers near $80 meal ticket, who reportedly has been shopped around the league with the February 19 trading deadline approaching, returning to the starting lineup soon?

``He will in the future,'' replied DiLeo,who has no reservations playing the 6-8 Brand in the post. ``He's has strength, long arms, a great feel for the game.

``That all plays into it.''

For the moment, though, Brand will continue to come off the bench. Dalembert will continue to start--at least as long as he's healthy.

That's now 236---and counting.

Another Winning Brand

2009-01-24T23:35:00.006-05:00

How hot are the Sixers?

So hot that not even the return of Elton Brand to the lineup--six weeks after dislocating his shoulder--could deter them against the bombs away New York Knicks at the Wachovia Center tonight. So hot that even Donovan McNabb, who received mixed reviews from the fans after arriving shortly after tapoff, along with Shane Victorino, Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson of the World Champion Phillies, couldn't help but be impressed.

And so hot that if they can keep this up, maybe the rest of the League--which has already decided the Celtics, Cavs and Magic will battle it out in the East, with the winner most likely drawing the Lakers out West--might have to factor them into the equation.

Yes, that's getting a bit ahead of things, especially since Brand's second coming out party this season was pretty much inconclusive. As promised Tony DiLeo played him in short six-minute bursts, totalling 13 minutes, during which he scored six points, grabbed three rebounds and blocked two shots.

But when the game was up for grabs, with the Knicks clinging to a three-point lead at the six-minute mark, Brand remained on the sidelines. For the moment,at least, DiLeo is content to slowly wean his big man back into action.

While it was hard to determine how much rust is on his game and how cohesively he'll work with his teammates--as much due to the Knicks' frenetic up-tempo style as the way the Sixers play--the early indicators were encouraging. Brand wasn't hesitant to bang inside, using his bulk and strength on the first possession to haul in an offensive rebound, then muscle home a layup.

He also was active on the defensive end, challenging shooters in the paint, which wasn't often since the Knicks live on the perimeter. The problem is determining just what kind of shape--not only conditioning-wise but basketball-wise--he's in, considering his limited duty.

In the days and weeks to come, beginning tomorrow night in New Orleans vs. Chris Paul and the Hornets, Brand will begin to take on more of a load on and off the court. Exactly where he fits in--as the perfect complement to the Andres and Thaddeus Young when the Sixers are off and running, or as an impediment to their progress, only then will start coming into focus.

For now conside the picture hazy, with Brand's track record suggesting it shouldn't be too long for it to get a whole lot brighter.

Unknown Brand

2009-01-24T19:15:00.010-05:00

The nagging fear in the hearts of Sixers fans who've watched their team come together over the past six weeks once Elton Brand went out with a dislocated shoulder was obvious. Would they be able to sustain it once Brand returned?

Last night, facing the always trigger happy New York Knicks, they got a brief preview of what was to come the rest of the season--assuming the 29-year-old Brand's bum shoulder holds up. Coming off the bench and playing sparingly as promised in the Sixers wild 116-110 win, Brand really didn't factor much in the equation, playing just 13 minutes and scoring six points.

The Sixers prize free-agent acquisition seemed perfectly happy to stay in the background while Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller & Co. did their thing against a Knicks team on a three-game winning streak. The main idea was for the big guy to simply get his feet wet, which essentially is what he did, also pulling down three rebounds and blocking two shots before leaving for good with seven minutes left.

Iguodala led the way for the 21-21 Sixers, who placed six in double figures, with 24 pints, Miller was next with 19, followed by Thaddeus Young with 17 and Willie Green.with 12. And don't forget center Samuel Dalembert, who not only scored 10, but pulled down a season's high 17 rebounds to go with three blocks.

Nate Robinson came off the bench to lead the 18-25 Knicks with 26. Tim Thomas (24), David Lee (20 and 11 rebounds) and Chris Duhon (18) followed closely behind for Mike D'Antoni's team, which made 15 of 32 from 3-point range.

Some time from when Mr. Perfection, Phillies' closer Brad Lidge participated in a ceremonial opening tap and the Sixers streaked to a quick 11-2 lead, another noted celebrity wealked into the house. For a change, though, Donovan McNabb received nothing but cheers, although more than a smattering of boos were heard when he was later introduced to the crowd. Entering with his father, Sam, Donovan slapped hands with Knicks' forward Malik Rose--a Philadelphia native--then took a front row seat.

While he was sitting there Philadelphia increased the advantage to 22-10 on Green's 3-point play, then 29-14 when Young drove for two.
Finally, leading 33-22 at the 1:26 mark Brand entered the game--and promptly followed up a missed shot on the next possession to score. Moments later he fouled Lee on his way to the hoop for a layup, who hit both shots, cutting it to 36-30 after one.

With Brand anchored inside New York continued to chip away, making it 37-36 on Lee's dunk. Back came the Sixers to stretch it to 45-39 on baskets by Brand and rookie Maurice Speights. DiLeo lifted Brand on the next possession, but the Knicks kept coming, finally drawing even, 52-52 on Robinson's 3-pointer.

New York's persistence finally paid off when Lee's free throws gave them a 58-56 lead. When Duhon followed up his own miss the Knicks left the court on top, 66-63.

It see-sawed throughout the third, Brand returning with the Sixers clinging to an 80-77 lead. It remained close through three, the Sixers up 86-81.

Brand fought through a double team to set up Lou Williams for a jumper to maintain a 90-6 edge early in the fourth. But the Knicks refused to go away, Robinson's fourth 3-pointer of the night regaining a 96-95 lead with 6:44 left.

A Royal Ivey corner trey, followed by Miller's free throws
erased that, putting Philly on top, 102-98 at 4:22. They pushed that to 104-98 on a pair at the line from Dalembert.

But Six quick Thomas points kept it close, before Young stripped the ball from Lee, leading to Dalembert's slam off an Iguodala lob and a 112-106 lead with 1:03 to go.

The Knicks got back within 112-110 on Robinson's layup with 10.7 seconds remaining, before Miller put it away with two at the line.

Brand --and Champions

2009-01-24T18:31:00.005-05:00

The World Series Trophy is on display tonight at the Wachovia Center, perhaps hoping some of the Phillies success rubs off on the Sixers, who are taking on the much improved Knicks. Players like Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and Shane Victorino will be part of the festivities.

So will Elton Brand, who'll make his return to the lineup--albeit in a backup, part time capacity--for the first time since separating his shoulder December 17.

Having missed six weeks, during which time the team has gone 10-7 without him, Sixers coach Tony DiLeo doesn't want--or need- Brand to try to do too much.

``We just want him to come in and get his rhythm,'' said DiLeo, who didn't have flu-ridden Reggie Evans at his disposal. ``I know he's hungry to play, but I'm not expecting great things of him.

``I'll probably try to get him in late first, early second quarter. A lot depends on the flow of the game and the matchups on the court.''

The 29-year-old Brand has spent the past two weeks banging against teammates in practice and has been eager to finally try it against someone wearing a different uniform. DiLeo warned that the Knicks, who try to shoot as quickly and as often as possible and who use big men like Al Harrington and Tim Thomas as 3-point shooters, aren't necessarily a good barometer to guage Brand's level of effectiveness.

But they'll have to do for now.
________________________________________

Texas Terrors Toppled at Buzzer

2009-01-19T13:29:00.014-05:00

Already during their current seven-game winning streak the Philadelphia 7ers had knocked off Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets, followed by a 22-point trouncing of Tim Duncan and the San Antionio Spurs Friday.

So could they make it Three for Texas against Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and the struggling Dallas Mavericks Monday in their annual Martin Luther King Day matinee?

Not quite. Down by a dozen with 2:14 remaining the plucky Sixers ran off 12 in a row to tie it and seemed headed towards overtime. But with time running out and his back to the basket, Dirk Nowitzki, who couldn't make a shot over the first three periods, swished a 20-foot fallaway at the buzzer to win it for Dallas, 95-93.

Despite missing 13 of his first 14 shots, Nowitzki wound up leading the 24-17 Mavs in scoring with 24 points on 7-for-23 shooting. Jason Kidd was right behind with 22, including six 3-pointers, followed by Jason Terry with 20.

Lou Williams came off the bench to score 25 and top the 20-21 Sixers, while Andre Iguodala scored 18, seven coming during their desperate rally which just fell short.

Before the game Mavs' coach Rick Carlisle said knew his club was taking on not only the League's hottest team, but one with a terrific running game.
``Their running game is the best in the League,'' declared Carlisle, whose club had to rally from as much as 12 points down in the second half before handing the Sixers a 10-poinr loss January 2. ``They're no. 1 in fast break points and the last seven games they've shot 50% from three.

``They're as good a driving teamas anybody in the League, so right now they don't have many weaknesses. ''

Indeed, the Sixers controlled play throughout much of the first three quarter, before Dallas finally began to come on. Even with Josh Howard back in the lineup for the first time in five games, the Mavs struggled, hitting just 2 of their first 13 shots, with Howard going 0-for-5.

But the Sixers weren't much better, going just 9-for-21 for the quarter and
committing five turnovers to lead 22-16 after one.

With Williams getting hot in the second they built the margin to 32-22, later extending it to 46-34 late in the half. But Dallas closed with an 8-0 spurt, drawing within 46-42 at the break.

The Mavs continued to hang close in the third, shaking off a resounding Iguodala dunk to finally take a 60-59 lead on Nowitzki's free throws. Dallas proceeded to built off that, Nowitzki's jumper ending a 1-or-14 string of futility.

By the time they were done the Mavs had gone on an 18-2 tear, including two more hoops from Nowitzki, Terry drove baseline to put Dallas in comnmannd, 74-63, after three.

The Sixers weren't quite ready to concede, though, getting to 79-72 and a chance to draw closer when Iguodala--ahead of the pack-- fumbled it out on bounds. Kidd calmly drilled yet another 3-pointer at the other end, then Terry scored on the break to make it 83-72.

Seemingly beaten, Philadelphia made a late push behind Iguodala, closing to 93-91 on an back-to-back treys by Iguodala and Williams. Then, after Kidd's miss, Iguodala's driving layup with 8.5 seconds left tied it.

That's where Nowitzki came to Dallas' rescue, handing the Sixers their fourth last second defeat this season--and second this month.

Happy Returns?

2009-01-19T12:38:00.006-05:00

It's the age old question. Should you break up a winning combination for the sake of getting your best player into action? How much of a disruption does it cause for the team, for the player himself when an injured player returns?

And what kind of expectations you be placed on him once he does come back.

Both the Sixers, playing--but winning--without Elton Brand and the Dallas Mavericks, who've spent the better part of the season with a less than healthy Josh Howard are dealing with the same issue. Philadelphia, which came into its Martin Luther King Day matinee special with the Mavs in the midst of a seven-game winning streak, has decided to land Brand rest his sore shoulder for a few more days.

On the other hand the 23-17 Mavs, who won Saturday at Utah to snap a four-game losing streak, are bringing back Howard, their third leading scorer (18.1) who's missed the past four games and 17 overall due to assorted injuries.

``He hasn't been completely healthy for not many periods,'' said Mavs' coach Rick Carlisle, who didn't know until an hour before the game Howard would be playing. ``It's one of those things where he's been snakebit between his ankle and wrist injuries and nagging injuries.

``It shouldn't be that hard with Josh to get him going, because he's always in good shape. There will be a little bit of a re-adjustment. That varies from player to player.''

Yet when you have a player with all-star skills like Brand, whom the Sixers were thrilled to lure here in the off-season, only to struggle the first 25 games blending him into the mix, there's no debate. ``Brand's an all-star caliber playewr,'' summed up Carlisle. ``When he's ready they'll play him.

``And he'll play well.''

Sixers coach Tony DiLeo won't disagree. He--and the Sixers medical staff--simply believe it's in their big man's best interest to wait as long as possible before bringing him back.

Assistant Aaron McKie, who's seen it from all sides when it comes to incorporating injured players back in the lineup, concedes it's a balancing act.
``He's one of the top guys on our team,'' said McKie of Brand. ``I don't think it will be a problem because he's such a centerpiece.

``For the player coming back, it's basketball. Just go out and play. Make adjustments on the fly.

``Since he's been out we've made a few changes. Hopefully, he can catch onto it.''

In Brand's case, returning to a team that's been winning without him has it's drawbacks. Should the transition not go so smoothly he'll take some immediate heat. But if your team's been struggling, then there's instant pressure that you'll change all that.

``That's not the case with Brand, though. ``It took us some time to find our identity,'' said McKie. ``It just so happens that's when he got hurt.''

Soon Elton Brand with be back with the Sixers, just as Josh Howard ha returned alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd in Dallas. When it comes to the NBA's cream, those players eventually tise to the top.

How long their respective teams have to wait for it to happen, though, will go a long ways to determining their ultimate fate.

Payback But Good

2009-01-16T19:34:00.010-05:00

Unless the ridiculous happens and they should ultimately meet in June for the championship, this was Philadelphia's lone chance to see Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs.

Maybe that explains why a better than usual crown turned out on this chilly night to get a look at this perennial contender, a team that has won four titles in the last decade and still wants more.

Or just maybe they wanted to pay homage to the Sixers, bidding for their sixth straight--the last loss coming ironically when Tony Parker plunged a dagger into their hearts to beat them at the buzzer in the Alamo City. With recuperating Elton Brand getting closer and closer to joining them, anticipation is building to see how Tony DiLeo's dramatically improved team stacks up.

Beating the 25-12 Spurs, who lead the rugged Southwest Division by a game over the Hornets, with Houston 2 1/2 back, would say something.

Well, 18,739, taking a break from flapping their Eagles' wings,
heard them loud and clear last night in a resounding 109-87 Philadelphia win highlighted by 3-point buzzer beaters at the end of the first three periods.
The Sixers never backed down from the Spurs for an instant.

Not only that, they riddled San Antonio's usually impenetrable defense for 85 points in the first three periods--only nine less than the Spurs allow a game-- turning into a fourth quarter blowout.

Thaddeus Young led the assault with a career high 27 points on 11-for-15 shooting, as the 19-20 Sixers crept within a game of the .500 mark. Andre Iguodala followed with 21, including beat-the-clock treys at the end of both the first and second periods, Lou Williams (14) rookie Maurice Speights (13) and Andre Miller (11) also hit for double figures.

Duncan's 20 and 12 rebounds and Matt Bonner's 13 topped the Spurs, who shot just 36.5 %.

The Sixers started out strong, playing tight defense and knocking down the open shots to grab a 28-18 after one when Iguodala buried a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer. Down 13-8 midway through the period Philadelphia went on a 20-5 run over the last five minutes.

But the Spurs quickly shot themselves back into it in the second. Bruce Bowen and Bonner drained treys, then Duncan's free throws gave San Antonio a 32-30 lead. The Sixers responded, with Royal Ivey knocking down a three-ball to put in motion a 11-0 run, capped by another Ivey trey, then Speights' resounding dunk off an Miller lob pass to make it 41-32.

San Antonio wasn't the least bit fazed, gradually creeping back into the game behind Duncan, until Iguodala's second buzzer beat of the night made it 54-47 at the half.

The Sixers promptly took charg in the third, opening their biggest advantage, 72-55 on Willie Green's jumper at the midway point. At this point they were shooting 54.9 %, almost unheard of against the defensive-minded Spurs.

Philadelphia continied to get out on the break, leading to easy baskets for Iguodala and Young, as the margin reached 79-61.

To cap it off came 3-point buzzer beater No. 3, this time Williams measuring Duncan, then drilling it to send them to the fourth up 85-70.

Just over a minute later this one was on the verge of a blowout, 89-70 with both Duncan and Parker on the bench. They never stirred from there, with the Sixers cranking it as high as 101-74, before "garbage time'' officially got underway.

Spurs Still Kicking

2009-01-16T18:30:00.010-05:00

Nearly 10 years removed from their first-of what would be four-
championships, the San Antonio Spurs show no signs of being
ready to drop from the NBA's elite.

The folks from the Alamo city taking winning seriously--and have ever since David Robinson set the table, then Tim Duncan came along to lend his considerable support. But while players have come and gone, their work ethic and system remain essentially the same.

More important, so does the attitude that no one player comes before the team.

``It starts at the top,'' explained Sean Elliott, a pretty decent player in his day and member of the Spurs' first title team, who now works as a TV analyst. ``From management on down.

``I was saying this on our broadcast the other day. Pop (Coach Gregg Popovic) called a timeout and just reamed out Tim Duncan.

``You could see he was really yelling at him for messing up. You don't that many superstars in this League where you can do that. A lot of superstars make mistakes and nobody says anything about it.

``We don't have that here. He (Popovic) holds those guys to a higher standard. How are you going to be the seventh or eighth guy and moan about things when you see him yelling at Tim?

``The fact is we were fortunate to get to get two superstars in the Draft who don't have the typical superstar ego. David showed Tim the ropes, then Tim took it from there.''

And a decade later the Spurs have those four shiny championship rings to show for it, more than any team since Michael Jordan split from the Bulls.

But according to Elliott these are no longer the Spurs who would put you to sleep with their deliberate offense, while playing suffocating defense. Now, with explosive guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili flanking Duncan and veteran swingman Michael Finley, Popovic' team has begun to open it up.

Elliott credits that to Pop's willingness to adjust to the changing NBA game, even if it means less playing time for holdovers Bruce Bowen and Fabricio Oberto, who've given way to newcomers Roger Mason and Matt Bonner. ``The big thing is Pop's loosened up a bit,'' said the 40-year-old Elliott, a two-time former all-star and 14.2 career scorer over his 12 year career. ``He's loosened the offense.

``They're not the plodding team they were back then. They're a lot more freewheeling. The offense requires a lot more running.

``Before they were that exciting. But they won.''

And kept winning. Four titles in seven years, yet never back-to-back. Does that bother Pop, who said his team's improbable last second win over the Sixers two weeks ago when Parker's prayer was answered at the buzzer was even more fortunate than the game they pulled out against the Lakers the other night when Mason drained a last-ditch 3-pointer. ``No, replied Elliott, who still refers to his old team as "we" ``They stil have four titles, where a lot of people have zero.

``A lot of them have figured out it's not so easy to win a title.''

No. 5 doesn't figure to come easy, with the 25-12 Spurs currently atop the Southwest Division. But it would be foolish to count them out.

One thing's for sure. Nearly ten years removed from their first championship the Spurs remain hungry as ever for more.

It's what makes them who they are.

2009-01-16T18:30:00.004-05:00

The Green Light

2009-01-15T12:20:00.003-05:00

Tony DiLeo's explanation for the Sixers remarkable success shooting the 3-pointer last night in a surprisingly easy 100-79 win over Portland is simple:

``Green light,'' he said with a smile, referring to his edict that players shouldn't hesitate pulling the trigger when they're open beyond the arc.
.
The Sixers knocked down a season's high 11 3-pointers in this one, needing just 23 attempts to do so. After spending much of the season watching his team get lit up from 3-point range--both Denver and San Antonio drilling 15 treys in narrow Philadelphia losses--it has to be nice for someone else to feel the same frustration.

And the confidence they've generated throughout their current five-game winning streak has carried over to the other end of the floor. The 18-20 Sixers are beginning to resemble the team which played so well down the stretch last season, winning 22 of its last 32. While the transformation began once prize free agent acquisition Elton Brand went down with a separating shoulder, the trick now is continue at this level when Brand returns.

While that isn't expect tomorrow when Tim Duncsn and the Spurs come to town, it could take place Saturday in New York. Brand returned to practice this week and hasn't suffered any setbacks so far. While DiLeo will be cautious with his minutes at first-- and won't even allow Brand to play in back-to-back games--eventually he'll have to be incorporated into the attack.

What could make it a smoother transition than before--where Brand and his teammates clearly labored trying to adjust--would be having shooters to make opponents pay for double teaming the big man. Prior to the injury teams would swarm Brand as soon as he received the ball, often forcing bad passes or else poor percentage shots.

Now the Sixers have learned to spread the floor, meaning Brand should be able to pass out of the double team to teammates who can hit the open shot. And if enough times that turns out to be a three eventually teams will have to change their tactics. That would give Brand more room to operate, creating better scoring opportunities.

For a Sixers team that seemed lost the first 30 or so games this figures to bode well. Philadelphia still needs to improve itself at the shooting guard position and figure out the key to unlock the enigma that is Samuel Dalembert. Of more immediate concern is deciding what to do with point guard Andre Miller, whose contract expires after this season. Should they determine he won't be resigning here the only choice is to move him by the February 19 trading deadline. \

Should that occur the Sixers again will be a team in transition, with slightly less than half the season to come together. For now, at least, though, they seem to be on the right track.

Amazing what a little green light will do!

Not Yet Ready to Blaze

2009-01-14T18:50:00.008-05:00

It's supposed to be a matter of "when" with the Portland Trail Blazers, not "if." Only supposed to be a matter of time before the NBA's lone survivor from the Pacific Northwest--now that both Vancouver and Seattle are history--becomes a team to reckon with.

``They're a very talented team,'' said Sixers coach Tony DiLeo, before his team put its four-game winning streak on the line vs. Brandon Roy, Greg Oden & Co.
``They've had a lot of high draft picks, so it should be a good challenge for us.''

Perhaps, but judging from the meager turnout at the Wachovia Center last night, not a team folks are clamoring to see. And judging from the lax defense the visitors played--in particular defending the 3-point line against an opponent not accustomed to taking--and making those shots--these Blazers still have some work to do before they're ready for prime time.

The Sixers were in command of this one from the start, bursting out of the blocks to seize a 31-15 lead which Portland never came close to erasing, Philadelphia breezing to a 100-79 decision for its fifth straight.

Andre iguodala's season-high 29 points--including four 3-pointers-- led the way for the 18-20 Sixers, who drilled a season's high 11 treys in a season high 23 attempts. Lou Williams came off the bench to chip in 14, followed by rookie Maurice Speights with 13, then Andre Miller and Thaddeus Young with 12 and 11 respectively. Roy topped the 23-15 Blazers, who turned it over 19 times, with 27, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 and pulled down nine rebounds.

The building with filled with plenty of empty red seats,which didn't seem to faze the home team who surged to a quick 18-8 lead. Later it would reach 29-13 on 3-pointers by Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala, giving Philadelphia's four treys for the period. At the quarter it was 31- 15, the Sixers shooting 12-for-20, 60.0% from the floor.

Yet another trey--this one from Williams--followed by Speights' dunk, extended the spread to 39-15, as the Sixers threatened to blow this one open. The Blazers tried to cut into the lead, but every Portland spurt was countered by a Sixer 3-pointer, with Miller, Willie Green and Iguodala knocking down shots from beyond the arc in the last two minutes to send them to the locker room up 55-33.<

For the half the Sixers, who once went back-to-back games without a three-ball shot an astounding 8-for-17, 47.1% on threes to Portland's 2-for-7. That, coupled with the Blazers' 32.4% shooting and 12 turnovers was the reason for such a huge lead.

But Philadelphia came out for the third quarter cold, missing its first six shots and turning it over four times, while the Blazers ran off 11 points to cut it to 55-44. Finally, Samuel Dalembert's free throws broke the drought at the 7:15 mark.

The revitalized Blaxers continued to chip away, though, closing within singles figures, 57-48 on Aldridge's hoop. That seemed to sound the alarm for the Sixers, who knocked down four straight shots and two Williams' free throws, pushing the margin back to 67-53. A Dalembert fast break dunk further extended it to 69-53, before Portland rallied to head to the fourth down 69-59.

But the Sixers again started out strong to start the final period, getting a three-point play from Royal Ivey and Young's second trey of the night--and the Sixers first of the half--to build an 76-61 cushion. From there they busted it wide open, Young swishing the Sixers' season-high tying 10th trey of the night, followed by a Speights slam to maake it 83-63 with 7:41 remaining.

Shortly after that both sides cleared their benches.

Miles Goes, Portland Weeps

2009-01-14T01:04:00.002-05:00

The No. 3 pick in the 2000 Draft, a career 10.8 scorer, scored 13 points in just 14 minutes last night.

And every step he took on the court he took on the court, every shot he made, was like a dagger to the heart of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Because they’d been led to believe Darius Miles was finished. They were certain they were off the hook—salary cap-wise—for the remaining two years and $18 million on the six-year $48 million contract he signed in 2004.. When his surgically repaired knees failed to respond to treatment, keeping him on the shelf for both the 2007 and 2008 seasons, they assumed insurance he was done and insurance would cover the rest.

Sorry, Paul Allen. The next time Miles steps on the court you’re on the hook for the whole thing.

Actually no one’s the least bit sorry. Not after the despicable act the Blazers tried to pull last week when they sent out an email threatening to sue any team which dared sign then free agent Miles to a contract.

This was shades of McCarthyism—an ugly period of American history in the early 50’s where many Americans were arbitrarily blacklisted for allegedly having ties to Communism—2009 edition. Portland warned the rest of the League that such an action would be viewed as a virtual act of war since it would mess up the Blazers’ cap, and would not be tolerated.

``We had heard rumblings and rumors that teams out there were planning to sign Darius Miles specifically and maliciously to hurt our organization," Blazers president Larry Miller said Friday, during a conference call. "This was a way to respond to that and let people know that we weren't going to take this sitting down.
The sole purpose (of the e-mail) was to protect this organization from malicious activity from other teams."

It didn’t take long for the both the League and the Player’s Association to launch a powerful response. The League quickly declared that it would enforce any contract offered to Miles, who had to sit out a 10-game suspension at the start of the season for violating its substance abuse policy.

The Players Association, concerned about any action to prevent one of its members from pursuing his career, threatened to file a grievance against the Blazers. `"We are shocked at the brazen attempt by the Portland Trail Blazers to try to prevent Darius Miles from continuing his NBA career," said Players’ Association Director Billy Hunter, in a press release. "Their attempt to intimidate the other 29 NBA teams by threatening frivolous litigation merely for signing this capable NBA veteran is a clear violation of the anti-collusion and other provisions of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We will vigorously defend Darius' rights."

Had no team stepped forward to sign Miles, who had been released by Memphis the day before—without playing a game—to avoid having to guarantee his contract through the season, this might’ve really come to a head. But the Grizzlies acted quickly to re-sign Miles, which had been their intent all along. <

As it turned out, someone else had tried to beat them to it.

According to Yahoo Sports the Blazers themselves tried to claim Miles off waivers, presumably to keep him on their roster not only this season but next—and never play him. That way Portland would’ve been able to avoid taking that huge salary cap hit, although it’s conceivable the folks insuring the Blazers might ‘ve sought some kind of relief once they realized what was going on.

It all became academic when the League denied Portland’s waiver claim, recognizing it was a clear attempt to circumvent the salary cap. Later that night Memphis offered Miles a 10-day contract, which he accepted, needing just two appearances to break the Blazers’ collective heart.

After last night’s performance Portland’s tragic number stands at one

While Miles has regrets about that and much of his career—which was marked by several off-the-court incidents, including one where he verbally abused then Portland coach Maurice Cheeks, he said he has no hard feelings towards his former team.

``I’m not doing this to hurt them,’’ said the still only 27-year-old Miles, who never did live up to his pre-Draft hype, despite once scoring 47 for the Blazers. ``I'm doing this to keep my career going on,"

"This is what I've been doing since I was 18 years old professionally.. I want to continue to do this. This isn't about a money thing.

This is about me playing basketball.’’

Despite Portland’s best efforts, Darius Miles, selected after Kenyon Martin and Stromile Swift in a draft that also included Mike Miller, Joel Przybilla, Hedo Turkoglu and second rounder Michael Redd, is getting his wish. The Blazers, on the other hand, about to see $18 million lopped onto their cap over the next two seasons, which will make it virtually impossible for them to add any free agents, are about to experience their worst nightmare.

But here’s one good thing to take from this whole sordid mess.
At least Joe McCarthy, seeing his 2009 descendents thwarted, won’t rest in peace.

Still Larry

2009-01-09T19:10:00.008-05:00

Say what you want about Larry Brown, who may drive his players and fans crazy with his constant demand to "Play the Right Way" and to "Respect the Game.''
The guy's just a sentimental fool.

After all, name another coach who makes it a point to not only play guys when they return to their hometown, but start them? ``I always felt it was good to play a player at home,'' explained Brown, happy to be back in the league as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, before tonight's game with his old Sixers' team. ``It's huge for them. They want to show everybody who comes out how they're doing.''

In this case that meant starting Philly native Sean Singletary, recently acquired in a trade with Phoenix that reunited Brown with former Sixer Raja Bell along with Boris Diaw. Joining him in the lineup was Hatboro Horsham's Matt Carroll. who promptly drained a jumper, followed by a 3-pointer and another long shotin the early moments.

Singletary, meanwhile, committed two fouls in the opening minute, before knocking down a jumper, then setting up Carroll twice for uncontested shots, as Charlotte jumped to an 11-4 lead. The Hornets, getting terrific ball movement out of the post from Diaw--who handed out four assists--maintained that through the period, 27-24.

While it seems virtually every NBA city could signal a homecoming for Brown, he insists Philadelphia is special. ``I live here,'' said Brown, who worked for the organization the previous two seasons under close friend Billy King, then successor Ed Stefanski. ``The owner (Ed Snider) gave me an opportunity to come here after I lost my job in New York. ``There are a lot of people I'm really fond of I saw when I walked in here.
``This franchise has been an important part of my life.''

According to Bell, who began his career here under Brown with the 2001 Sixers'
team that went to the NBA Finals, he's the same as always. ``It's different for me, because I get to see a different side of him,'' said Bell, whose spinning layup in the lane in overtime turned Game 1 of the Finals--with Philadelphia trailing by five points at the time--in the Sixers' favor. ``He's very demanding of young players.

``But I've only played five games, so I'm still adjusting.''

While Brown is five years removed from coaching here, he's maintained close ties. And as much as it pained him to see Stefanski let his former assistant Maurice Cheeks go, he has the utmost confidence in Tony DiLeo. ``Tony's been wonderful to me,'' said Brown. ``Nobody has been more loyal to this franchise than Tony.

``When I was coaching here he was someone I could count on. He's as knowledgeable as anybody I've been around.

Mo did a phenomenal job--look what happened at the end of last year. But this is a tough business. I'm confident Mo will land on his feet.''

As for his new team, it's obvious they're beginning to. The Hornets kept working for high percentage shots, keeping them ahead well into the second period.
But late in the half the Sixers started putting it together, closing within 40-38 on Samuel Dalembert's hoop.

Charlotte wouldn't panic, though, as Bell knocked down a 20-footer, then Emeka Okafor scored in the paint to push it to 44-38. The Sixers responded, with Andre Iguodala draining a trey from the corner, followed by another high arc-ing jumper to cut it to 45-43 at the half.

Their persistance finally paid off early in the third, when Thaddeus Young followed up a miss to put the Sixers up for the first time since the opening moments, 53-52. They quickly increased that to 61-54 on Andre Miller's fast break layup, completing a 14-2 run. Later it would reach 71-61 when Young threw down a dunk off a Miller pass, before settling for a 74-65 advanrage heading to the fourth.

The Sixers tried to break it open to start the fourth, rookie Maurice Speights' three-point play extending it to 79-67. But the Bobcats wouldn't cooperate, closing to 81-75 on Gerald Wallace's driving layup.

Back stormed the Sixers, Reggie Evans scoring four points to trigger a 10-3 spurt that sealed it, 91-78 with four minutes left, before holding off a late Charlotte run for the 93-87 win. .

Miller's 22 points topped the 16-20 Sixers, who made it three straight. Young followed with 15, then Iguodala and Lou Williams with 12 apiece and Willie Green with 12. Okafor led the 13-24 'Cats with 24 and 11 rebounds, while Raymond Felton and Bell chipped in with 13 apiece.

Good Losses

2009-01-09T00:21:00.013-05:00

You've heard it a million times.

There's no such thing as a bad win--or a good loss.

Except in the case of the Philadelphia 76ers, who may finally have turned their season around this week with back-to-back wins, the transformation may well have been keyed by a pair of excruciating losses on their recently completed Western swing.

Rather than hang their heads and feel sorry for themselves after going just 1-5 on the trip--the lone "W" coming New Year's Eve in Clipperland--the Sixers have built on the confidence they gained fighting through adversity and started to swing the momentum.

Instead of wallowing in their 13-20 record, which has Philadelphia on the outside looking in had the playoffs started now, they've began to resemble the team many thought could challenge the better teams in the East. And it wasn't the one victory that fueled their improvement. It was the losses, especially the games in Denver and San Antonio, where the Sixers had every chance to win, yet managed to come up short.

Game Two of their trip vs. the Nuggets came on the heels of a 110-91 pre-Christmas Day drubbing in Boston. But in this one the Sixers sprinted to a 17-point third quarter lead, only to break down at the defensive end, as the Nuggets drilled 15 3-pointers.

After squandering the advantage, then going back on top, the Sixers allowed Kenyon Martin an uncontested dunk in the last 11 seconds for the lead score, before Andre Iguodala was called for walking on the ensuing possession.

That could've led to some ugly scenarios, even finger pointing. And things didn't get any better three days later in Utah, where the injury-riddled Jazz pick-and-rolled them to death, 112-95. Two nights later the Sixers assured themselves of at least getting something positive on the trip, coming on strong the last two minutes to outlast the Clippers, 100-92.

Then it was onto famous Texas Two-Step, which began with a 96-86 loss in Dallas, where the game was even with five minutes left. That was followed by an unforgettable trip to the Alamo vs. Tim Duncan and the Spurs. In this one the Sixers dug an immediately 21-point first quarter hole for themselves, which would''ve been enough for most teams--weary from the journey and the string of losses--to pack it in and count the minutes before they could head for home.

But these Sixers, whose lackluster play has already led to the departure of popular coach Maurice Cheeks, rose from the dead at this point to play inspired ball over the next three periods. In the process they got back to the style that made them so effective late last season; the team which became the apple of soon-to-be free agent Elton Brand's eye.

Philadelphia was able to run, force turnovers, convert them into opportunity baskets at the other end generally confuse the usually unflappable Spurs. By midway through the fourth quarter they had erased that huge deficit and taken the had, only to see Eva Longoria's hubby, Tony Parker, pierce them with a dagger to the heart, sinking a desperation turnaround jumper at the buzzer.

Such a loss, coupled with what happened in Denver, could've devastated any team. But new coach Tony DiLeo somehow was able make his teamm see the good from those performances. When they took on the Rockets at home Tuesday, Philadelphia essentially picked up where it left off in Texas. The Sixers streaked to 29 fast break points, while doing a reasonable job defending Houston's 3-point shooters and
hitting the boards.

The following night in Milwaukee was more of the same. After a poor first half the Sixers again shut down the perimeter after intermission. They also continued to run at every opportunity and even knocked down some clutch treys of their own, something which has plagued them all season.

Now 15-20 it's essential the Sixers build on that momentum, with the schedule turning more favorable. While they're currently ninth in the East, they stand only 3 1/2 games behind No. 6 Miami, meaning a potentially more favorable first round playoff matchup with Orlando, rather than Cleveland or Boston.

Should that occur then think back to this week when the turnaround began and remember those "lost" causes during the recent road trip.

Because through the agony of those defeats the Sixers may well have finally found their way.

Hoops in 2009: Changing of the Guard?

2009-01-05T16:37:00.008-05:00

For better or worse--and surely the majority would vote for the latter--2008 is over.

It was a year where the world was rocked by economic upheaval that threatened our very foundation. A year in which history was made with the election of Barack Obama, the nation's first African American President. In 2008 we lost icons of the entertainment industry like Paul Newman, Cbarlton Heston and George Carlin. We also crowned unlikely champions in the Giants, who ruined the Patriots' dream of a perfect season in the Super Bowl, along with the Phillies, who ended Philadelphia's 25 year title drought.

But in terms of pro hoops 2008 was like a step back in time. Celtics vs. Lakers for NBA supremacy. Team USA on top of the world at the Olympics.

Just like it used to be.

After two decades being an afterthought among the NBA's pantheons, once again Boston's men in green reigned supreme. All because of an improbable August, 2007 trade, sending Kevin Garnett to Beantown, where he holdover Paul Pierce and newcomer Ray Allen transformed the Celts from doormats (24-58) to dominance (66-16).

Having survived two harrowing seven-game wars vs. Atlanta, followed by LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers in which the home team never lost a game, the Celts took down perennial Conference finalist Detroit in six games to wrap up the East.

That set them up for an epic Finals' showdown with the Lakers in a re-enactment of , the NBA's most familiar rivalry, the teams going mano and mano for the first time since Bird, Parish & McHale squared off against Magic and Kareen in the mid 80's. Much of the series lived up to its billing, with Boston holding serve on its home court, then snatching a critical Game 4 in Hollywood when the Lakers blew a 24-point lead.

L.A. rallied to salvage Game 5 and bring things back to the Garden, where they were promptly demolished by 39 points, with Doc Rivers able to clear his bench and start the celebration early.

That was enough to appease Garnett & Co. for the summer. But the rest had unfinished business to take care of. Namely bringing home the gold
from Beijing.

This was the culmination of a four-year quest that started shortly after Argentina knocked Team USA out in the 2004 semfinals in Athens. From that point on Team USA--with Jerry Colangelo making the decisions up top while Duke's Mike Krzyzewski took charge on the bench--devised a formula for putting the best team on the floor in China. That included getting major long-term conmmitments from each player, among them Kobe, LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

And having come so close to knocking off the Celtics only made both James and Bryant that much hungrier by the time they got to Beijing. Team USA proceeded to breeze through the qualifying rounds, smashing would be challengers Spain and Greece.
Once they got to the medal round they found reigning Olympic champion Argentina standing in their way.

The Argentines never backed down, despite playing shorthanded once star guard Manu Ginobili went down with a shoulder injury. But the Americans ultimately prevailed 101-81, setting the stage for a remwtch vs. Pau Gasol and Spain for the Gold Medal.

Considering the way Team USA had dispatched the Spaniards, 119-82, in the preliminaries, this didn't figure to be much of a game--on paper. But from the outset Spain played like a team believing it could do the impossible--and pull off the upset.

The Spaniards were knocking down shots all over the place, particularly from behind the International 3-point line. They hung doggedly close well into the fourth quarter before Bryant took over, leading the red, white and blue to a 118-107 victory and the gold.

Now that they're back on top, team USA says it intends to stay there. So do the Celtics, who rode the euphoria of their championship run to a franchise-record 19 game winning streak, before Boston hit a lull, dropping a Christmas Day duel in L.A, followed by three of its next five.

As 2009 gets underway they're still runaway leaders in the weak Atlantic Division, with a good chance of taking No. 1 seed in the East into the post-season. But if they should falter LeBron, who's done little to dispell the mounting belief that he'll head to New York--to either the Knicks or Nets-- once he becomes a free agent in 2010, and the 27-6 Cavs are ready to seize the opportunity.

Lurking right behind are Dwright Howard and the 26-8 Magic, who lead the suprising Hawks by 31/2 games in the South. The Pistons, now featuring a new-look backcourt with recently acquired Allen Iverson and explosive second-year man Rodney Stuckey, are also within striking distance, having won seven straight.

Out West once you get past the Lakers, things are wide open. The gap between No. 1 L.A. and No. 2 San Antonio is 5 1/2 games. But there's only a 3 1/2 game separation between the Spurs and Utah, currently ninth in the West and out of the playoffs. That means 3 1/2 games between eight teams vying for seven spots which can change on a nightly basis.

Everyone else is playing for ping pong balls.

That's how 2009 shapes up in the NBA. It figures to be a year where the new (rising powers like Cleveland, Orlando, New Orleans, Houston and revitalized Denver) tries to unseat the old (Boston, Detroit and L.A, San Antonio, Phoenix). That applies off the court as well, which should make 2009 a year of transition and hope.

So Ring out the old--Good riddance. Ring in the new!

"Hey,Not so fast,'' say KG and Kobe.

Can't wait to find out who's right.

Christmas No Silent Night for Hoops

2008-12-24T17:36:00.005-05:00

Before you plan your Christmas Day around some hoops--with no less than five games on the menu--an old adage came true today for a three-time all-star guard:
"What Goes Around Comes Around.''

Steve Francis, once known as "Stevie Franchise" while averaging more than 20 points and six assists during the first four years of his career, has gone back to his roots. Well, sort of.

Originally drafted by the Grizzlies in 1999 when they were in Vancouver, Francis balked about playing in Canada so loud and so long the Griz eventually traded his rights to Houston. Yesterday, having spent the entire season on the shelf after missing most of the last two-plus seasons with injury, he became a Grizzly again. Houston, where he returned last season--but only played 10 games--sent him to Memphis along with a second round pick originally owned by the Griz for a conditional 2011 second round Memphis pick.

What it does is clear some cap space for the Rockets while returning what would appear to be a reasonably valuable pick to the Grizzlies. What it might do for the still only 31-year-old Francis--though his knees might be double that in age--is give him a chance to play some hoops, which wasn't going to happen in Houston any time soon.

Bet this time Stevie Franchise won't say a word about it.
* * *
At least Francis doesn't have to worry about having his holidays interrupted by having to go to work. The same doesn't apply for the 12-15 players on each of the 10 teams slated for action tomorrow, highlighted by the 2008 Finals' rematch between the reigning champion Celtics--in the midst of a franchise best 19 game winning streak--and the Lakers.

But the hoops docket is relatively jammed on a day which has gotten busier than ever. It used to that only one or two games were played Christmas Day. That usually involved Michael Jordan's Bulls and some lesser opposition, but has evolved through the years to include teams like the Knicks,Pistons, Spurs, Suns, Heat and Lakers.

Only tomorrow there are no fewer than five games on three networks on the docket, starting at noon and going right through 10:30 P.M. In the process hoops junkies will be able to see virtually all the glamor names in the game.

Start with an ESPN lunch time treat of Chris Paul Hornets against Dwight Howard's Magic in Disney World. Then ABC takes over with Tim Duncan and always dangerous Spurs traveling to the Valley of the Sun to meet Shaquille O'Neal, Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash & Co.

That's followed by the main course of the day, also on ABC: Kobe and the Lakers getting their first chance to avenge last year's Finals' loss to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen & Co. Bostom has merely posted the finest start in NBA history, racking up win No. 19 in a row Tuesday against Philadelphia, which held a piece of the old record. The 23-5 Lakers,just back from an Eastern swing where they went 2-2, would like nothing better than getting some measure of revenge against the champions.

It figures to be a good one.

On paper the same doesn't hold for Game No. 4, where TNT's Charles Barkley will be complaining about having to watch the 4-22 Washington Wizards, the worst team in the East and third worst overall to 4-23 Minnesota and 3-24 Oklahoma City, heading out on the road to meet LeBron James and the 24-4 Cleveland Cavaliers. Other than watching LeBron, who may be on his way to an MVP season, there would seem no other reason to tune in here.

But the night's finale, also on TNT could be somewhat intriguing, with Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavcericks in Portland, where Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and rookie Greg Oden will meet them. Nothing to stay up especially late for, though.

Bottom line in all this is that apparently the NBA has holiday appeal. Curl up by the fire and watch the ball go through the basket--again and again and again.

If nothing else, you know it won't be a silent night on the hardwood.

Nothin' But Coal for Most Hoops Fans

2008-12-22T16:05:00.005-05:00

The NFL season ends Sunday for the majority of teams--and their fans. While that's not ideal, it sure beats the plight facing most NBA teams and their fans sincefor all intents and purposes their seasons are already history.

Think about it. If you're from Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Washington, Sacramento, Memphis, Clipperland, Golden State, Charlotte or Indiana, you'll wake up Christmas morning finding the hoops eqivalent of coal under their respective holiday ornament. A quick look at the standings tells you not only won't you win a championship this season, but there's virtually no chance you'll even make the playoffs.

The teams in those nine cities could simply mail in their "L's" and no one would niss them. To a lesser degree the same applies to the Knicks, Raptors, Bucks, Bulls, Nets and underachieving Sixers. There's a half decent chance all or most of them will get to the post-season come April. And even if they do they won't stay around very long.

In other words, less than two months into the season exactly half the teams in the League are playing out the string. Does that mean every single one in the other half has a chance to dethrone Kevin Garnett and the currently 26-2 Celtics--or see Boston again win it all? Not even close.

More than likely the majority of them will be gone by the second round of the playoffs, leaving only a handful of legit contenders for the throne. With the calendar not yet flipped to the new year, to expect anyone other the Celtics, Lakers, Cavs, Magic, Spurs , Hornets and Rockets--and that might be too many-- to be hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy, isn't realistic.

The balance of power gap in the NBA has suddenly grown wider than an ocean.
And while folks in those lucky seven cities might not complain, it can't be very comforting to the Commish, David Stern, to realize more than 75% of his competition is essentially playing for pride.

How do you change that? Not very easily, says one veteran NBA expert. ``There has to be a dose of realism,'' said Bob Salmi, currently the Sixers TV analyst, after a coaching career that once included a stint with Pat Riley and the Knicks. ``What is the plan for those teams who aren't contenders?

``What direction will they take?''

The problem is too many teams dream of the quick fix--citing the Celtics instantaneous climb from the NBA's outhouse to its penthouse in just one year. They say if it can happen in Boston, why not in ...... fill in the blank.

But the men in green are by far the exception rather than the rule in the NBA--even though it only takes one or two players to be formidable And for teams who come agonizingly close to the pinnacle--like the 2002 Kings, 2006 Dallas Mavericks or 2007 Phoenix Suns--then begin to slip, it's a long, painful road back up.

``There's no easy way coming off that mountain,'' said Salmi, who also works Monday Night football. ``Everybody thinks they can do what Boston did,

``But the NFL mentality is different from the NBA's.''

That's likely because there are 16 weeks and time for ebb and flow in a football season, opposed to 82 games in pro hoops. Yes, there's time to correct a bad start--Just last year the Sixers overcame an 18-30 start to make the playoffs.
But only to a point.

For the most part, you don't have a basketball equivalent of the Falcons, a team coming off a horrid season which suddenly gets on a roll and makes the playoffs. Or the Tampa Bay Rays. Usually, it's a slow progression, teams building through s combination of the draft, free agency and trades. It takes an equal combination of luck and skill, not to mention needing the shape of the League to work towards your benefit.

That might not be much consolation for all those players on all those teams with all those fans who will spend the holidays bemoaning the fact their season is already lost. Of course they can always dream and tell themselves better days are coming soon.

Unfortunately, during a year in which the economy has gone to hell and so have the vast majority of pro hoops franchises, they're probably kidding themselves

Inexcusable

2008-12-21T01:06:00.008-05:00

The Indiana Pacers won't be dethroning the Celtics come June. In fact, there's a good chance Jim O'Brien's club won't even make the playoffs.

But that doesn't mean they still don't have professional pride. It doesn't mean despite playing without their top two and three of their four leading scorers that if you don't finish them off early they can't come back and bite you.

"Ouch!'' the Sixers are saying today, after letting the Pacers hang close enough to believe they could steal one--and eventually do just that when T. J. Ford's 20-footer with 3.8 seconds left gave them an improbable 95-94 win. Andre Iguodala had a chance to pull it out on Philadelphia's final possession, only to see his shot kick off the rim as time expired.

With it, new coach Tony DiLeo's run of perfection came to an abrupt halt at three games, as the Sixers dropped to 12-15. While DiLeo said all the right things afterwards and praised the effort of a 10-17 Indiana team missing Danny Granger (24.4 ppg), Marquis Daniels (16.0) and Troy Murphy (11.4), who didn't make the trip due to viral pneumonia, inwardly he had to know this loss was inexcusable.

Not only were the Pacers shorthanded, they had to go double overtime while losing to the Clippers Friday. The Clips were so wiped out by the win they got crushed by 34 points in Milwaukee tonight. The Pacers figured to be even more vulnerable, which is why the game plan was to jump on them early, make it clear to them this was a lost cause, so that the motivation to mount a comeback was gone.

The first part worked perfectly, as Philly jumped out to a 29-16 lead at the quarter. But the Sixers couldn't sustain it, allowing 12 Travis Diener points as the Pacers cut it to 48-44 at the half. Even then the Sixers had numerous opportunities after intermission to break it open and settle the outcome.

Indy, with a large assist from their hosts, wouldn't cooperate. ``“We talked to the team,'' said DiLeo, whose job is about to suddenly get really hard when the Sixers open up a potentially lethal six game holiday trip in Boston Tuesday ``Against Indiana you’re never out of a game and you never have a safe lead,”

“We did talk about keeping the pressure on. We just really got bogged down.”

And when you allow an undermanned, basically lesser team to stay within striking distance you're asking for trouble. “It’s tough,” said Iguodala, who led the Sixers with 26 points, but missed some key shots down the stretch. “We’re short-handed, too (playing without Elton Brand, then having Willie Green sprain an ankle in the first half and return).

, but it’s a game we should have had.

``That's one of the games you’ve got to get.”

But the Sixers failed to do so. ``The opportunity was there,” said Andre Miller, whose eighth career triple double--14 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists--went to waste

``We thought this was a game we had to win. We didn’t take them for granted.''

Too bad they didn't put into practice what DiLeo preached. The end result saw DiLeo's run of perfection since taking over a week ago from Maurice Cheeks come to an end. The Sixers now need to steal one down the road to even things out, perhaps taking advantage of some other team underestimating them.

Otherwise the pain from a loss that will go down as simply inexcusable will continue to linger.

Last Chance for Perfection

2008-12-20T19:06:00.009-05:00

Unless the unthinkable happens--and the Sixers are able to shock the reigning champion Celtics Tuesday in Boston--tonight's game with the Pacers figures to be new coach Tony DiLeo's last chance to stay perfect. As many expected, the change on the bench from Maurice Cheeks to DiLeo, has gone smoothly, the Sixers reeling off three straight to improve to to 12-14.

Cynics might argue they could've beaten the woeful Wizards twice and Bucks with a trained chimpanzee calling the shots. Regardless, winning those games beat the alternative, especially considering the impending disaster their annual Holiday Western will probably bring.

After opening at the home of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen & Co. the Sixers head to Denver to take on the Allen Iverson-less Nuggets. Next it's Utah, followed by New Year's Eve against the Clippers, whose fans won't get the chance to express their "love" to the injured Elton Brand. Finally it's the famed Texas Two-step--in this case Dallas and San Antonio, before Philadelphia returns home January 6 to take on the other team from the Lone Star State, Houston.

But first DiLeo wants to make sure his team doesn't overlook the Pacers, who left their top two scorers, Danny Granger and Marquis Daniels, along with No. 4 best Troy Murphy home with viral infections. Granger, averaging 24.4, ranks sixth in the NBA. Not only was Indy playing shorthanded, they were tired, having gone double overtime last night before losing to the Clippers.

``We don't want any letdowns,'' said DiLeo cautiously, before the game. ``We'll try to build off what we've accomplished.

Anything less than remaining perfect one last time would clearly be unacceptable.

_______________________________

Sensing the chance for a quick kill, the Sixers jumped on the weary Pacers from the outset, surging to a 17-6 lead by hitting eight of their first 12 shots, while Indy was going 3-for-13. Tnen after Travis Diener's 3-pointer made it 25-16, late baskets by rookie Maurice Speights and Andre Iguodala pushed it to 29-16 at the quarter.

The Pacers managed to stay within striking distance early in the second, closing within 39-34 on Jeff Foster's jumper. Another Diener trey, followed by Jarrett Jack's short jumper made it 47-44 inside two minutes, before one Samuel Dalembert free throw sent the Sixers to the locker room clinging to a 48-44 lead.

When the Sixers returned from the locker room Willie Green wasn't with them, having sprained his left ankle late in the half. X-rays were negative, but he's done for the night. The Pscers continued to chip away, Brandon Rush's 3-ball making it 50-49 early in the third.

But the Sixers responded, Thaddeus Young and Iguodala scoring in the paint to restore a 56-51 advantage.Indy wasn't deterred, scoring six unanswered points to taking its first lead since the opening moments, 57-56 on T.J. Ford's hoop.

The lead see-sawed for awhile, until Speights and Lou Williams keyed a 7-2 spurt that put Philly back up, 64-59. After three it was 73-69.

But far rrom over, the Sixers having long since breathed life into a Pacers team that came in dead. As if on cue Indy quickly tied it up, then fell behind again. At the same time despite repeated opportunities, the Sixers couldn't pull away, as the game headed towards crunch time.

That's where the Sixers defense came up huge, denying Ford, Jack and McRoberts in the lane, before Andre Miller hit a jumper and two free throws to put them on top, 88-83. Still, Indiana wouldn't go away, Ford swishing three free thtows to make it a one point game, 89-88 heading inside two minutes.

Moments later Jeff Foster converted a three-point play, giving the Pacers a 91-89 edge with 1:30 left. Smelling the upset Jack spun in the lane for two and a 93-90 lead with 49.0 seconds left. But Iguodala got that right back and when Jack got pressured he threw a blind pass which a streaking Williams grabbed and easily soloed for a dunk and a 94-93 Philly lead at 17.3 seconds.
It didn't faze the Pacers, as Ford methodically worked Iguodala until he could free himself for the 20-footer that gave Indy back the lead, 95-94 with 3.9. When Iguodala's driving layup spilled out at the buzzer, the gritty Pacers had stolen an improbable victory.

Deja Vu All Over Again in Philly

2008-12-18T18:50:00.003-05:00

For the next month or so it will be déjà vu all over again for the Sixers now that they’ve learned they won’t have newcomer Elton Brand to kick around during that span.

The results of Brand’s MRI came back yesterday, showing a fractured humeral bone and a torn labrum in his right shoulder, as was expected. Team Doctor Jack McPhilemy doesn't believe surgery is needed at this time, though that is subject to change depending on how it heals.

What it means is that Brand, who was in the midst of a four-point six rebound night midway through the third quarter when he went for Milwaukee rookie Luc Mbah a Moute’s pump fake, fouled him, then landed hard on his shoulder, will be sidelined until mid-January at the earliest.

What it means for his team is that they’ll essentially be playing the same cast of characters as last season—when they overcame an 18-30 start to finish 22-12 and make the playoffs, before losing to Detroit in six games.. That might not be such a bad thing, considering the way that team captivated the city—not to mention the entire NBA--before finally coming back to earth.

But there is one significant difference. This time Maurice Cheeks, who was fired over the weekend by impatient team president Ed Stefanski when the team got off to a 9-14 start, won’t be in charge. Instead it’s Tony DiLeo, who’s 2-0 since assuming the reigns, calling the shots.

With Brand not an option for the foreseeable future, DiLeo seems likely to revert back to the lineup and freewheeling style that worked so well late last year. That would mean second year man Thaddeus Young shifting over to Brand’s natural power forward spot, Andre Iguodala remaining at small forward, with Samuel Dalembert in the middle.

Presumably that would enable rookie big man Marreese Speights to come off the bench, along with rugged forward Reggie and veteran 3-point specialist Donyell Marshall and shot-blocker Theo Ratliff.

In the backcourt DiLeo will probably stay with Willie Green at shooting guard, flanked by Andre Miller. Lou Williams, who ignited the offense with 25 points off the bench in Wednesday’s win over Milwaukee, will get every opportunity to contribute on a regular basis. And with Young shifting up front, it might open up some minutes for free agent acquisitions Kareem Rush and/or Royal Ivey, who’ve provided little to this point.

But to assume these Sixers will be able to pick up where last year’s team left off now that Brand won’t be there to slow things down, is a risky proposition. For one thing, the same weaknesses remain from last year—poor perimeter shooting…too many turnovers on offense… defensive breakdowns that leave them vulnerable to being bombed to death from the 3-point line… not enough interior firepower.

Some of those were areas Brand was supposed to improve—and to an extent he has. But clearly this team hasn’t lived up to the pre-season hype—which ultimately cost Cheeks his job. Now, after potential weekend appetizers at Washington tomorrow and home with Indiana Saturday, they’ll try to pick up the slack without their leading scorer while running a gauntlet of a brutal six-game road trip that starts in Boston, followed by Denver, the Utah, the Clippers, Dallas and San Antonio. <

If the Sixers can somehow survive that—which wouldn’t have been easy with a healthy Brand—they may yet be able to salvage something this season. A poor trip, coupled with a continued struggles as the trade deadline nears and General Manager/President Ed Stefanski may have no choice but to pull the trigger on a deal—Miller and/or Dalembert being the likeliest candidates to go.

On the other hand, should Philadelphia surprise the experts and revert back to last year’s form, it will vindicate those who believe the Sixers might be better off without their prize free agent, Brand.

Regardless, the next month should prove quite educational. Sixers fans can only cross their fingers and hope the lessons aren’t too painful.

Generic Brand Sixers Without Elton

2008-12-18T00:24:00.006-05:00

All of you who believe the Sixers might be better off without Elton Brand in the lineup--and that's more than a few--it appears you're about to get your wish for awhile.

The free agent power forward was supposed to help turn Philadelphia into a viable contender, has instead been more instrumental in their poor start that has saddled them with a sub .500 record and brought about the dismissal of coach Maurice Cheeks. But now he's out indefinitely after dislocating his right shoulder in the third period of the Sixers 93-88 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wachovia Center last night.

``That would be a big blow,'' said 2-0 coach Tony DiLeo asked what it mean to lose Brand for a long stretch. ``Usually teams can compensate for a short amount of time, but then it usually catches up to teams.

“If he's not here for an extended period of time, that would be a big blow.''

Last night, though, it didn't matter, as the Sixers used a 26-15 fourth quarter surge to rally past the Bucks, behind Lou Williams' career-high tying 25 points. Philadelphia rode the hot hand of Williams, along with guard Andre Miller (19) and rookie Maurice Speights (12) to move to 11-14, while dropping the Bucks to 11-16.

With Brand on the sidelines, after hitting the floor hard while attempting to block rookie Luc Mbah a Moute's shot with 7:23 left in the third and the Bucks on top, 61-54, the Sixers were able to get their running game going and gradually make up he deficit. Ultimately, it was Williams who provided the spark, following up his own miss to give Philadelphia the lead, 81-80 with 6:01 left.

Then, with the game tied, 84-84, Williams swiped Richard Jefferson's pass and drove for the layop that put the Sixers ahead to stay. Minutes later they could celebrate, while at the same time expressing rheir concern over their fallen teammate.

Pending the results of an MRI--taken after the game--the extent of Brsnd's injury and timetabke for his return will become clearer. If it's a major setback DiLeo will undoubtedly have to adjust his lineup. More telling, it would make someone other than Brand the team's go-to guy.

That would obviosly sit well with Iguodala, who's struggled playing in Brand's shadow--and also playing shooting quArd rather than small forward. Presumably he'd take on more of a load with Brand sidelined, though he'll have to be a lot better than in this one, where he shot an abyssmal 2-for-14 and scored four points.

Likely, so would Thaddeus Young, who might go back to power forward, where he excelled last season, after earning the job in the lstter part of the season. This season, moved to small forward, Young got off to a good start, then began to lag, before Cheeks decided to shuffle the lineup against Cleweland and bring him off the bench. So far DiLeo has maintained the status quo, yet that would surely require re-adjustment should Brand be sidelined for long.

The moment of truth will come sometime today. But anticipating the worst, DiLeo & Co. are already considering their options.

Whatever "brand" of team they come up with all the scrutiny will remain as tight as ever.

Trying to Pass the Bucks

2008-12-17T19:51:00.010-05:00

Taking on the 11-15 Bucks, the new-look Sixers started off looking pretty much the same as when Maurice Cheeks rather than Tony DiLeo was calling the shots.
They gave up a flurry of easy baskets and failed to get out on shooters on defense and struggled in the half court on offense.

That enabled Milwaukee to jump to a quick 11-2 lead, which they maintained throughout the first period, 26-24.

Midway through the second period with many of his starters on the bench DiLeo got his team playing up tempo and sliced into what had been a 39-32 lead. Philly got within 43-32 on Lou Williams' hoop, but couldn't get over the hump. Baskets by Richard Jefferson and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute opened it up a bit, enabling the Bucks to take a 53-46 lead to the locker room.
___________________________

Held scoreless and missing all sicx of his shots for the half, Andre Iguodala quickly gon on the board with a driving layup to start the third. But the Sixers continued to languish, three times Milwaukee pushing the margin to nine.

Moments later Elton Brand crashed into Mbah a Moute and hit the floor, leaving the game with what was diasgnosed as a right shoulder dislocation, ending his night with four points and six rebounds.

Late in the period Charlie Bell's uncontested 3-pointer gave the Bucks their biggest lead, 73-63, before the Sixers cut it to 73-67 after three.

With four subs and Iguodala on the floor to start the fourth the Sixers began to launch their comeback, Thaddeus Young's 3-pointer and rookie Maurice Speights' free throws making it a 77-75 game.
Shortly afterwards, Iguodala was ahead of the pack on the break, only to blow what would've been the tying dunk. But finally it was Williams following up his own miss fof a layup, giving the Sixers their first lead of the nightm 81-80 with 6:01 left.

An Andre Miller free and Reggie Evans hoop boosted that to 84-80, before Miller lobbed it perfectly to Speights for the slam and an 86-81 advantage. The Bucks responded with a Richard Jefferson layup, followed by Charlie Bell's three-point play off a steal.

It was still tied when Williams swiped an errant pass and soloed for the lead score, then swished a short jumper after Michael Redd's trey spilled out. Williams put a flourish on his season-high 25 point night with another putback, pushing it to 92-86.<
The Bucks last gasp came when Redd's desperation three-ball kicked off, then Williams iced it with a free throw, 93-88.

An "Embarrassment"

2008-12-17T18:44:00.006-05:00

Bucks' coach Scott Skiles, himself a victim of the current craze to dispose of coaches when things don't start off so well a year ago in Chicago, has just one word to describe his reaction to this year's rash of early season firings: Embarrassment

``It's a little bit of an embarrassment,'' said Skiles before his team took on new coach Tony DiLeo's Sixers. ``It doesn't bode well for my seat

` ``In Europe it's not unusual for three games into a season--BOOM--the coach is fired. There have been teams with four coaches in a season. I hope that's not where we're heading.

``But if your GM and decision makers know early on they have a good coach and things don't start out well, they may need to look in other directions. If you think you have a good coach and you're not performing up to expectations, I don't see the logic in making a change.''

Not that the 44-year-old Skiles doesn't understand where it's coming from, stressing how blogs and fan polls create an endless stream of opinions. ``Every fan is almost like a member of the media,'' said Skiles, back in his original NBA stomping grounds, having played 13 for the Bucks in 1987. ``They have a sliver of power.

``Sometimes teams can overachieve for a season or season and a half. Expectations get so high that people get carried away. Because of that pressure when things don't go the way they're supposed to they feel they have to make changes.''

That's already led to six firings this season--an alarming 20% of the workforce. But while fans and media wonder what's going on, the players simply take it in stride, their reaction often depending on who's coming and who's going. ``It depends on how everyone felt about the coach,'' said Milwaukee's 11-year veteran guard Tyronn Lue, who's been through two mid-season coaching changes--Lakers and Magic. ``I'm sure with a guy like Maurice Cheeks (in Philadelphia) it's difficult, because the players loved him.

``When that happens you know they're gonna play harder, because they've got a new coach and will come in with more intensity.''

Still, since the start of the season P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) Randy Wittman (Minnesota), Cheeks and Reggie Theus (Sacramentoa) are gone. There may be more to follow too.

An embarrassment, Scott Skiles--fired after the Bulls got off to a 9-16 start last season, coming off a year in which they made it to the second round of the playoffs, calls it.

Anybody care to disagree?

A Marbury Sighting

2008-12-17T14:02:00.002-05:00

Leaving limbo for the first time since being recently suspended, Stephon Marbury showed up at the Staples Center last night for the Knicks-Lakers game. He said he even bought his own ticket-since according to the agreement he and the team worked out--he wouldn't come to games.

Marbury was caught yukking it up and talking on his cell phone during the game, which surprisingly turned out to be a pretty competitive one, with the Knicks blowing a 65-50 halftime lead before the Lakers rallied late to pull it out, 116-114
At haltime he spoke with reporters about his continued desire for the Knicks to either waive or buy out the remainder of his contact--neither of which appears imminent--so that he can resurface somewhere else.

"All I have got to do is get free,'' said Marbury, who was suspended just before Thanksgiving and ordered to stay away from the team during practices and games.
"Once I get free, the team I'm going to go to will shock a lot of people.

``All the people who say nobody wants me on their team, that I'm all different things, a cancer. That's not what's going on.''

What's going on here seems clear. When Marbury is out of sight--as the Knicks prefer--he's also out of mind. By making a public appearance--which may not have violated the terms of their agreement but certainly pushed the envelop on the spirit--he's reminding people he's still around. He's also campaigning openly for his "freedom,'' acting as if he's the victim here.

Those closer to the scene know all too well this classic Marbury. He's never been a team player--since there's no "I" in team. He's hoping these actions will serve to further embarrass the Knicks, who usually don't need much help in that department.

But listening to him his agenda becomes obvious. And at a time where umemployment rates are soaring and people are simply trying to scrape by, hearing Marbury boast about earning his $21 million without lifting a finger, can't sit well.

"I'm earning my check by doing nothing," Marbury told a dozen reporters.
"I'm enjoying it to the fullest.

I can go in and out of the country when I want during the season. They'll make a decision when they're ready to make a decision. I'm getting healthy, adding two, three years to my career. This has been great for me, being able to heal."

It remains to be seen whether or not Stephen Marbury still has anything left to contribute on the court. Eventually we'll probably find out, because some team will figure it has nothing to lose by giving him a chance.

"I just wanted to see the game,'' explained Marbury about his guest appearance in L.A. "I miss it a lot.''

Sorry, Stephon. As far as the game and the folks running it are concerned the feeling's not mutual.

Did Mo Have to Go?

2008-12-15T14:30:00.011-05:00

Some 48 hours since the axe fell, disgruntled Philadelphia 76er fans are still asking themselves the same question.

Was it really necessary that Maurice Cheeks, who guided this franchise out of the abyss into the playoffs only last year, take the rap for the current team's fall from grace? Did new team President Ed Stefanski, who was so impressed by the job Cheeks did since he took the reigns from Billy King he gave him two contract extensions in seven months, believe the only way to prevent this season from turning into a disaster was by removing him?

And does he truly believe Tony DiLeo, whose last coaching job was for West Germany before the Wall came tumbling down in Berlin, is better equipped to lead them than Doctor J's former sidekick?

On the surface it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. Unless you realize Cheeks' was King's rather than Stefanski's hand-picked choice, making him more vulnerable if a shakeup was needed. That the shakeup came now--23 games into the season--than much further down the road, appears to be an contradiction to Stefanski's usually deliberate manner.

But if you look more closely, if he wanted to pull the plug and send a message to his underachieving players, this was the perfect opportunity. While wins and losses are never a given in the NBA, it stands to reason looking at the schedule that the Sixers were about to reverse their fortunes--at least for the short term.

Following a stretch that including games with last year's finalists, the Celtics and Lakers, along with a home-and-home set with LeBron James and the sizzling hot Cavs--all of them losses as could've been expected--the Sixers' next four games were against teams with a combined 21-48 mark. Playing 4-16 Washington, 7-16 Indiana and 10-15 Milwaukee at home, coupled with a trip to D.C.to meet the sorry Wizards, it's likely Cheeks would've gotten his team on a roll.

How could Stefanski justify jettisoning him then, with the team at or near the .500 mark? Wouldn't it better for that so-called "new voice"--in this case, DiLeo--to step in and build some instand credibility by racking up the wins, before the schedule turns against them in a suicidal upcoming six-game trip that includes stops in Boston, Utah, Dallas and San Antonio?

You could argue that Cheeks was misusing his players, trying to force feed newcomer Elton Brand into a system that didn't seem to suit his game. You could say players like Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert were regressing at both ends of the floor, while role players Lou Williams, Willie Green and Reggie Evans weren't effective at all. You could point to the difficulties they had handling the ball, forcing turnovers and getting out in the open floor on the break--most of which has been attributed to Brand, who hasn't been the power player and post presence he was reported to be.

You can say all that--and nobody would argue. Nor would they place most of the blame on a coach Stefanski lauded as recently as September when he extended his contract through 2011.

Instead, Mo Cheeks is out the door--the fifth NBA coach to hit the unemployment line since the start of the season. No. 6, Sacramento's Reggie Theus, joined them later today. One of those currently job hunting, Eddie Jordan, lateo of the Wizards, is the early clubhouse leader to take over from DiLeo next season or even earlier. He and Stefanski go back to their days with the Nets. Coincidence or not, once he left New Jersey the Nets began to scuffle, while the Wizards have been to the playoffs the last three seasons.

As Stefanski says, yes it's a bottom line business, where their "report card" is published every day in the newspaper--a near obsolete source of news and information gathering for those unfamiliar with the term. And firing Cheeks now rather than tomorrow or next week made sure the Sixers' bottom line wasn't too attractive.

Maurice Cheeks, who will meet with the media tomorrow to present his spin on the matter, will be just fine--especially since he still gets paid the duration of the contract. Much less certain is the fate of the Sixers, who've tied up much of the future in two players--Brand and Iguodala--who don't seem to mix.

Among the first things on Stefanski/DiLeo's agenda should be deciding what to do with point guard Andre Miller, who's on the verge of free agency. As much as the Sixers might like to keep him around--assuming he's willing to stay--they might be better off moving him before the trading deadline for a combination of player(s) with greater upside and draft picks. Otherwise, by the time Philadelphia might be ready to contend--if that time ever arrives--Miller will be too old to help them.

It's all part of the dilemma the Sixers face, as they someone try to recapture the magic from last year. Getting it done--no matter who's calling the shots--doesn't figure to be a whole lot of fun.

Tony Award Winner

2008-12-14T00:26:00.006-05:00

Somewhere, in the midst of the Sixers oh, so easy 104-89 win over the overmatched Washington Wizards, it all came back to Tony DiLeo.

The gut wrenching emotions that come with pulling the strings from the bench... The highs from with each well executed play.... The lows when your team makes a mistake or does everything right yet still misses the shot or sees the opposition score... The thrill of being in the spotlight rather than the shadows.

That's what it was like for Tony DiLeo making his coaching debut at the Wachovia Center last night. “I did feel comfortable,” said DiLeo, who got 27 points and nine rebounds from free agent Elton Brand, while Lou Williams came off the bench to score 15 and Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young chipped in 14 apiece. “Coaching is like managing.

``The game flew by and brought back a lot of feelings. It was a whirlwind, but it was great,”

“It was a great feeling. I’m really happy for the players.”

The feeling was mutual, even though those same players fully understood they're the reason DiLeo is now at the helm rather than Maurice Cheeks, who was fired by team President Ed Stefanski just three months after he received his second contract extension in a seven-month span. ``It's part of the business. You just go with the flow,'' said Andre Miller, who handed out a season's high 12 assists and took just four shots from the floor. ``Coaches come and go just like players.

``Hopefully we can carry this over.''

It's hard to say how the DiLeo Sixers will differ from the 9-14 team that had lost three straight and eight of its last 10 under Cheeks. That's especially the case when you factor in the opposition, which was never in the game, allowing the Sixers to score virtually at will while controlling the boards.

The biggest change seemed to be the offensive-mindedness of Brand. Not only did he make a concerted effort to look for his shot, he moved around in the low box,preventing the Wixards from getting comfortable defending him. ``They were getting me the ball in different positions,'' explained Brand, following his best scoring game as a Sixer. ``I wanted to make them pay for double teaming me.''

The other player who paid instand dividends under DiLeo was Samuel Dalembert, who pulled down a season's high 17 rebounds in 33 minutes. Now can he do it on a consistent basis, something which has plagued Dalembert all season.

While there was much to like about the way this one went--particularly the fact the Sixers didn't have one of those 5-6 lapses that have constantly plagued them--it's far to early to make any sweeping statements. In fact with home games coming up vs. struggling Milwaukee and Indiana--mixed in with a rematch in Washington--there's good reason to expect the Sixers to go on a run.

More telling will be Philadelphia's upcoming six game road trip, which includes visits to Boston, Utah, San Antonio and Dallas. That's when we'll get a better indication if the Tony DiLeo Sixers have become the team Maurice Cheeks couldn'harnass into winners.

At least for one night, though, they put on a Tony award winning performance.

Off to See the Wizards

2008-12-13T19:45:00.006-05:00

Years from now will hundreds of thousands of people claim they were here for Tony DiLeo's debut coaching the Sixers--the way they used to about say they were in Hershey, PA the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points? Will they point to this night and recall this was when Philadelphia began turning around what appeared to be a lost season?

Or will it be just more of the same when Maurice Cheeks was in command, which brought them to this point: the removal of Cheeks at the helm after just 23 games.

Not that the woeful Washington Wizards, who came to town with a 4-16 mark and had already fired their coach, Eddie Jordan, were much of a measuring stick. The Wiz, a team that has been cursed from the start of the season, is biding its time until star Gilbert Arenas makes it back from his latest knee injury.

They dug a quick 21 hole for themselves in this one, hitting just four of their first 13 shots, before rallying to close the gap to 25-20 at the quarter.

The Sixers then reverted back to the inconsistent team that spelled Cheeks' doom: standing around on offense, failing to box out on the boards, leaving shooters open on the defensive end. That allowed Washington to close within 35-34 midway through the secoond.

But Philadelphia then reeled off 12 in a row, six by Brand, who capped it off with a perfect feed to Lou Williams for a layup. That enabled them to take a 51-40 bulge to the locker room.

They promptly blew it open, seizing a 66-46 cushion in the opening minutes of the third, settling for a 79-65 spread heading into the fourth. Brand and oft-maligned Samuel Dalembert dominated the paint, with Andre Miller flourishing at the point.

Only s fourth quarter collapse could ruin the occasion and the Wizards weren't about to make that happen. The lead remained safely in double digits, though Philly couldn't quite break it open so that DiLeo could clear his bench.

Bramd's Sixer- high 27 points and nine rebounds led the way for the 10-14 Sixers, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Williams, who didn't play due to food poisoning Friday in Cleveland, came off the bench to score 15, followed by Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young with 14 apiece.

Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 17.

The Proverbial "Different Direction" for the Sixers

2008-12-13T17:37:00.009-05:00

If Andy Reid's constant refrain when the Philadelphia Eagles lose is that he's "got to do a better job putting the players in position,'' then this the mantra of any sports executive relieving his coach or manager of duty.

``We need a change of direction.''

That's what Sixers' President, Ed Stefanski, said about a dozen times justifying his reasons for dismissing Maurice Cheeks 23 games into the season. That's the same Maurice Cheeks whose contract was extended twice within a seven-month period after Stefanski assumed the reigns from Billy King just over a year ago. Yet according to Stefanski not only has his club gotten off to a slow start (9-14. having dropped eight of the last 10 games). He didn't feel it was making sufficient progress and actually had regressed from last year.

Thus it was time to turn them around, with Tony DiLeo, who once coached the German National teams--both men and women--to championships, coming down from the Sr. Vice-President and Assistant General Manager's chair to the bench.

``I made the decision, because I felt we were not progressing they way I wanted to progress,'' said Stefanski at a press conference some 2 1/2 hours before the Sixers took the floor to face the 4-16 Washington Wizards, ironically a team which dumped its longtime coach, Eddie Jordan, two weeks ago. ``I told Mo we needed to go in different direction.

``I believe in this team. We are better than this. We haven't been consistent at all. We're in a results oriented business. You don't get anything for giving effort.

``But the season's far from over. We're not giving up.''

That's the message DiLeo and Stefanski tried to deliver to his players when he met with them immediately after the press conference. As familiar as they are with the business, they said the move caught them off guard

``I didn't see this,'' said prize free agent Elton Brand, who willingly is accepting some of the blame for the team's slow start. ``I thought he'd have a chance to turn things around.

``I knew something would happen, because there are high expectations. I didn't think it would be the coach. But they've paid a lot of money for players to come in and win ballgames. That means they want them to win now.

``This should set a fire under the players. They know no one's job is safe.''

Only now it's Tony DiLeo who tries to clean up the mess and lead Philadelphia in that proverbial different direction. He'll get his first opportunity tonight.

No Mo?

2008-12-13T13:21:00.005-05:00

Meeting with reporters 10 days ago prior to what would be a 114-102 loss to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers' president Ed Stefanski emphasized patience was not one of his virtues.

``You'll never hear the 'P' word coming out of my mouth,'' he said then.

In just a few hours he's about to prove it, officially relieving coach Maurice Cheeks of duty 23 games into the season, just over three months since handing him his second contract extension in the last seven months; one that was supposed to take him through 2010. The Sixers have called a 5:00 P.M. press conference, at which time Stefanski is expected to introduce Sr. Vice President, Tony DiLeo, who's worked in the front office here since 1991, as the man who'll try to pull this 9-14 team out of its funk

It won't be easy. The Sixers, coming off a spectacular second half of the season in which they rallied from an 18-30 mark to make the playoffs, then put a scare into the Pistons in the first round, were expected to pick up where they left off this season. It never happened.

The signing of free agent power forward Elton Brand was proclaimed the key in their quest to rejoin the NBA's elite. Brand would be the inside force they sorely lacked. Andre Iguodala and second year man Thaddeus Young would supply scoring and athleticism. Samuel Dalembert's shot-blocking and rebounding would complement Brand up front. Wily Andre Miller would run the offense. Lou Williams and Willie Green would come off the bench to lead the charge, while veteran big man Theo Ratliff, long range bomber Donyell Marshall, along with Reggie Evans, Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey would fulfill their roles as needed.

That was the plan, at least. Reality was a different story. The supposedly improved half-court offense continually bogged down when Brand had trouble finding the open man out of the double team, often leading to turnovers and transition baskets the other way. Plus, when he got them the ball the shots seldom dropped.

Defensively, the Sixers were constantly victimized by teams who could spread the ball to open shooters standing beyond the arc. They also weren't very effective forcing turnovers, which had been their staple last season. That in turn meant Philadelphia's lethal fast break, which keyed their late season resurgence, wasn't much of a weapon. Without all those easy baskets it meant the Sixers needed to get
more in the half court.

Much of the problem there came with the struggles of Iguodala to adapt to a new position, shooting guard. After his lack of a jump shot was exposed by Detroit's Tayshaun Prince in the playoffs, Iguodala has had a hard time being the offensive force Cheeks needed. His shooting has been erratic and the rest of his game merely ordinary.

Put it all together and the Sixers, whom many expected to win anywhere from 45-50 games and be a darkhorse in the East, have instead labored under .500. They've blown a number of big leads both at home and on the road. Instead of building on the enthusiasm and momentum gained last season, they've looked anything like a winning team..

Is all of that Maurice Cheeks' fault? Of course, not. Stefanski's standard line when asked about his team's struggles was that they were a "work in progress.''
Apparently, he didn't see enough progress through the first 23 games to justify sticking with his orginal plan.

So he's left himself open to criticism by lowering the boom on the same coach he extolled throughout last season's run. The same coach whose contract he extended not once, but twice in the year and nine days since he took over from predecessor Billy King.

Tony DiLeo, who was once considered among the finest International coaches after winning nine German national titles among both men and women, has at least one thing going for him.

He's got nowhere to go but up.

Trade Winds Blowing

2008-12-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

It rained throughout the Northeast corridor today and snowed in the deep South and Southwest. Must've been the after effects of the trade winds blowing rampant in the NBA.

Deals went down at a frantic pace yesterday--and we're not referring to all the action going on in Vegas at baseball's winter meetings.

Just over a season after acquiring him in a Draft night, 2007 trade with Golden State, the Charlotte Bobcats sent their leading scorer, guard Jason Richardson packing. The 6-6 Richardson, 2003 Slam Dunk Champion, and former No. 1 pick Jared Dudley are headed to Phoenix, where he'll do his gunning for Terry Porter instead of Larry Brown.

In return Brown brings back an old favorite, Raja Bell, whom he first discovered in Philadelphia in 2001 when the Sixers made their run to the Finals. Joining him are versatile swingman Boris Diaw, who's never approached his 2006 level of play, along with rookie Sean Singletary.

That came on the heels of a three-team deal between a couple of lottery-bound clubs, Washington and Memphis, and the potent New Orleans Hornets, who rid themselves of veteran Mike James' contract, while acquiring Antonio Daniels to serve as Chris Paul's backup. James and second year man Javaris Crittenton head to Washington, with Memphis getting a conditional first round pick from the Wizards. The Grizzlies also got a second rounder from the Hornets.

Got all that?

The bottom line remains to be seen, but on the surface here's how it looks.

The Suns have acquired another shooter for Steve Nash to feed as well as a terrific athlete who excells in the open court. Could this mean Porter is about to adopt more of predecessor Mike D'Antoni's run 'n gun philosophy, since he now has an army of players who can up and down the floor in Amare Stoudemire, Richardson, Leandro Barbosa and Matt Barnes? That would allow Shaquille O'Neal to concentrate more on the defensive end and hitting the boards until it becomes a half-court game.

At the same time what does it say about Stoudemire's recent lament that he wants to "be the man" in Phoenix and isn't happy sharing the limelight? Are the Suns calling their free agent waiting in 2010's bluff?

Can't wait to find out.

Turning to Charlotte, by moving Richardson Brown is clearly going to make his emphasis defense. He doesn't have that many scorers--certainly not on JRich's level, but is willing to sacrifice that as long as his team "plays the right way.'
Stop me if you've heard that before.

But Brown trusts Bell and feels the versatile Diaw should be a nice complement for his front line of Emeka Okafor, Gerald Wallace and Adam Morrison. Bell should mesh nicely with starting guards Raymond Felton and rookie D.J. Augustin.

Still, mentioning the 7-16 Bobcats and "playoffs?" in the same sentence is a bit of a reach.

It might not be a reach though to suggest the Wizards just might have their point guard of the future in Crittenton, who's hardly played and already has been traded twice since the Lakers tabbed him with the No. 19 pick in the 2007 Draft. Former Georgia Tech teammate Thaddeus Young of the Sixers said Crittenton will be thrilled with the deal since he's been waiting for a chance like this.

Since the Wizards aren't going anywhere this season--barring a dramatic reversal of fortune--why not see what the kid can do? Even when (If?) Gilbert Arenas returns Washington might as well find out now what it has. Should Crittenton turn out to be the player that intrigued Kobe's boys to draft him two years ago, it could turn out to be a steal. And in the interim having James, who was a scoring machine not that long ago in Toronto (2005) could provide some of the firepower missing without Agent Zero as well as departed Roger Mason.

New Orleans, meanwhile, gets a better fit for Byron Scott's system in Daniels, while finding a landing spot for James at the cost of only a second round pick. Should something happen to Paul, Daniels can serve as an adequate fill-in, too. Just not for too long Hornets fans pray.

Finally there's Memphis, which has been a revolving door for point guards. Crittenton never seemed to fit on Marc Iavaroni's lineup, which already had former first round picks Mike Conley Jr. and Kyle Lowry in place. Maybe they should use the picks they're getting from the Wizards--which almost certainly won't be conveyed this season- and Hornets on something else.

Like the rash of recent coaching changes trades often go down in flurries. It might not be long before someone else pulls the trigger, with the Sixers, Bulls, Bucks, Kings, and Clippers prime candidate. Not to mention the silent (2-20) Thunder.

Check the weather report early and often. If there's storm clouds on the horizon it's a good bet those trade winds won't be blowing far behind.

______________________________

You never heard any horror stories about Cuttino Mobley,who was forced into retirement at 33 yesterday due to a heart condition he'd been playing with for years that had worsened.

He didn't make many headlines--on or certainly off the court. But that didn't mean he wasn't the epitome of a professional, someone who always handled himself with class.

Not to mention a pretty darn good ballplayer for the last 10+ years. Cuttino Mobley could shoot the rock, with a high arc-ing jumper that was anything but textbook form. It just went SWISH!

For his career-- the first six seasons with Houston (where he once averaged 21.7 in 2002), the last three with the Clippers, with brief stopovers in Orlando and Sacramento-- he averaged 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting a respectable 37.8 % from beyond the arc.

Yet most of it was overlooked since his teams weren't that good. Only four times in those 10 years did Mobley's teams make the playoffs. Only once--with the 2006 Clippers--did he get out of the first round.

Ironically, Mobley's end came about by accident. When he was included as part of the deal Zach Randolph to the Clippers deal, a routine phsyical turned up the heart ailment, which had never stopped Mobley before.

Sadly, this time, though, it did, leaving the NBA--and the folks who've appreciated Cuttino Mobley at his craft for the past decade--a bit poorer.

Good luck with the rest of your life, Cuttino Mobley. Hoops will miss you.

Post Game Observations

2008-12-11T00:39:00.000-05:00

Big things were expected from the Sixers this season in the city where championships were strictly a rumor until Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and the Phillies shocked us all back in October. Well, maybe not as big as that--or even as much as the Flyers, who share the building with Maurice Cheeks' team and went from the NHL's worst team to the Eastern Finals in a single season.

But this was supposed to be the year Philadelphia moved back among the upper echelon of the NBA. The addition of free agent Elton Brand, their long sought after post presence, was supposed to supply the Sixers the key ingredient needed to make them a force.

"Run With Us,'' was their pre-season slogan, a takeoff on the way this team won the hearts of hoops fans who'd virtually abandoned them since Allen Iverson left town.
The Sixers had used a lethal fast break and sheer hustle and athleticism to climb from well back in the pack to make the playoffs, then had the Pistons on the ropes in the opening round. That's where they came back to earth, as Detroit, down 2-1 and double digits at halftime in Game 4, took command to close out the series in six.

But all the good feeling generated by that run--both literally and figuratively--seem hollow at this point. After being handled by LeBron James and the suddenly mighty Cleveland Cavaliers last night, the 101-93 final a bit misleading considering Cleveland led 84-65 after three, these Brand X Sixers have tumbled to 9-13. In the process the the Wachovia Center has turned into a visitor's welcome mat, Philly having dropped their last five at home and seven of 12 overall.

That doesn't bode well for the future when the schedule turns nasty, beginning with a six game trip later this month with stops in Boston, Utah, Dallas and San Antonio. Then again, the way the Sixers are playing right now, the site and opponent doesn't appear to matter. They're in over their heads.

It's not that the move to sign Brand was wrong, although to this point he's been more Chris Webber--mid range jumpers and some boards, without the passing skills
--rather than the power forward he was advertised. He's also not making the same shots he did as a Clipper, going just 3-for-11 for six points in this one and hitting just 44.2% for the season. That's a severe dropoff for a career 50.3% shooter, though team President Ed Stefanski downplayed any reservations about Brand's performance last week.

Tha problem is the Sixers chemistry has been thrown completely out of whack. Andre Iguodala, coming off a career-best 19.9 season, has been a shell of himself since shifting from small forward to shooting guard. He's shooting only 42.0% and averaging 14.9, even with last niht's 27-point explosion. On the other hand Thaddeus Young has prospered, for the most part, at the "three.'' More telling, Brand's arrival has been marked by the virtual disappearance of center Samuel Dalembert, who's been posting "triple singles" on a nightly basis. There's simply not enough room in the paint for the two of them.

There's more, of course, including a bench that hasn't produced much, which is probably one of many reason Cheeks revamped his lineup last night, sticking Willie Green at two-guard, putting Iguodala back in his comfort zone up front, with Young coming off the bench. It brought mixed results, yet Cheeks will likely stay with it since Iguodala was able to flourish for a rare occasion.

As for the Cavs, they look like the real deal. The arrival of Mo Williams means LeBron & Co. finally have a legit point guard running the show. And quite a show it is. Yes, it's early. But 19-3 speaks volumes.

Don't forget the Cavs scared the life out of the Celtics in last year's second round, taking them to the wire in Game 7. They're younger than the men in green and possibly hungrier. Unless another budding powerhouse, "Superman" Dwight Howard and Orlando, can figure out a way to derail one of them, there's every reason to suspect a rematch between LeBron and the Celts in late May--this time in the Conference Finals.

Much can change between now and then. The Sixers showed that last year. But unless Philly can plug the considerable gaps that have been exposed these first 22 games, they'll have their hands full salvaging a playoff spot, let alone winning a round.

That's not the way it was supposed to be.

Will LeBron Play the 4th?

2008-12-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

Some twenty minutes from tipoff between the Sixers and Cavs the big question running through the Wachovia Center isn't whether or not the Cleveland Cavaliers will stretch their current winning streak to 10 and their record to 19-3 over the struggling Sixers. It's will LeBron James have to play in the fourth quarter?

After all, he's been able to take a permanent seat for the fourth in the last two games and three of the last four, while Mike Brown's bench finished off the carnage.

But in Philadelphia, where Maurice Cheeks revised his lineup for the occasion--with Willie Green moving to shooting guasrd, Andre Iguodala reclaiming his more comfortable small forward spot and Thaddeus Young coming off the bench--LeBron has always been the anti-Kobe. While the fans here vehemently booed Bryant last week--swtill smarting from his "We're gonna cut their hearts out,'' vow during the 2001 Finals--they've always welcomed King James with open arms.

LeBron thinks it goes back to his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary's Prep in Akron, wheh he played in the area and was well received. In cotnrast Kobe has always been viewed as a pariah, the kid from suburban Lower Merion who spurned the home town team for Hollywood. Fair or not, that's simply how it is.
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The new-look Sixers indeed took it to the Cavs at the start, with Iguodala erupting for 12 first quarter points to seize a 28-25 lead after one. Before the game Cheeks wouldn't commit to the new lineup beyond tonight, saying it had to do with matchups rather than to shake up his troops. But it stands to reason he won't shift back riday--when they resume this home-and-home set in Cleveland,before sturggling Washington comes in Friday.

The dirst quarter was also an indictment of LeBron's pre-game declaration that the reason behind his team's emergence was defense. James said his Olympic experience, where each practice and each game was critical to the team's success, has carried over to the NBA season. But in the first quarter of this one the Sixers shot a blistering 13-for-22, 59.1 percent, topped by Iguodala's 6-for-7.

They promplty tightened the screws defensively in the second, holding the Sixers without a field goal over the first seven-plus minutes. And with LeBron getting a breather on the bench, no less, as Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas keyed a 15-3 Cavs' run that built a 40-31 bulge, before Iguodala finally ended the dry spell.

That revitialized the home team, with Iguodala scoring almost at will--finishing with 21 for the half--as the Sixers narrowed the gap to 48-46 at intermission.

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So much for any thoghts of pulling off the upset when the Sixers went right back to bricklaying to start the third. That, and turning it over in bunches. In just over five mines the Sixers missed their fifst five shots, while coughing it up an obscene six times. Taking full advantage the Cavs went on an 18-3 tear, breaking it open, 66-49. Later that would reach 74-55 on Williams' hoop.

A few more points and LeBron could take the rest of the night off. Anderson Varejao responded with a hoop and three free throws, boosting it to 81-61, followed by local product Delonte West's hellacious dunk off a jump ball, as the Cavs cruised into the fourth up 84-65.

The only suspense at this point was finding out if James, Williams, Ilgauskas, etc. were finished for the evening. The Sixers, outscored 36-19 for the period, were already history.
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Well, Williams and Big Z still had work to do. They were on the floor when the final period got underway, while LeBron chilled at the end of the bench. Moments later, though, Ilgauskas came up limping and had to be helped off the floor, replaced by none other than LeBron. He was diagnosed with a left ankle sprain.

The Cavs maintained a healthy lead heading towards the stretch when the Sixers finally put together one last gasp to make it interesting. Down 88-72 Young drove for a threw point play, followed by an Elton Brand jumper and Lou Williams' hoop to close the gap to 88-79 at the 5:35 mark.

Not to worry, Cavs' fans (at least until 2010). James proceeded to drive the lane for a three-point play, giving him 27 on the night. He then tacked on two more free throws, making it 93-81. The Sixers kept pushing, Andre Miller sinking a pair at the line to make it a six-point game (95-89) with 2:00 left.

That's when Williams cooly hit from the baseline, his shot bouncing high off the rim straight through the net. Venerable Ben Wallace then hammered home a LeBron miss as the clock crept inside a minute.

Clinging to a 99-93 advantage Williams finally wrapped it up from the line, 101-93

Bench Transactions

2008-12-09T16:53:00.000-05:00

If it's Tuesday and you're an NBA coach do you still have a job?

Already, barely a month into the new season, P.J. Carlesimo, Eddie Jordan, Sam Mitchell and now Randy Wittman are answering "No" to that question. Name another line of work in which 13% of the workforce was so quickly reduced?

Not even the folks from Gannett, who just lopped off 10 % of their people--including some of the top beat writers and columnists in the business--are that ruthless. Then again, pro hoops coaches are always an endangered species. Not even the sorry state of the economy has changed that. When the bottom line seems to be spelling "L-O-T-T-E-R-Y" then something has to be done. And done quickly.

So the fact that Jordan had coached the Wizards to the playoffs each of the last four seasons--usually having to do it with an injury-depleted team--didn't matter when this year's squad got off to a horrendous start. No Gilbert Arenas. No Brendan Haywood. No Roger Mason, having landed in the Alamo via free agency.

And now, a 3-15 team with no chance, since Jordan was sent packing in favor of assistant Ed Tapscott. Tapscott, Knicks' fans should recall as the man who convinced them to snare Fredric Weis--the French big man Vince Carter posterized with a dunk in the 2000 Olympics, rather than native son Ron Artest. At least that's one blunder that can't be blamed on Isiah Thomas.

As for the others, it's tougher to make a case for P.J. and Wittman. Their teams are certifiably terrible, with no signs of getting better in the near future no matter how many high lottery picks they land. But Sam Mitchell? Wasn't he Coach of the Year in 2007 when he steered Chris Bosh and the Raptors to the Atlantic Division title?

But after a surprising first round ouster by the Nets, followed by another early elimination last season and a shaky start this year, GM Bryan Colangelo quickly decided Sam was no longer the Man in Canada. How did Mitchell fall so quickly out of favor North of the Border?

It probably has to do as much with the arrogant way he went about his work, reportedly turning off his players and acting in a condescending manner at reporters who questioned his moves than mere X's and O's. What seems odd about that was it's contrary to the classy way Mitchell conducted himself as a player throughout a solid yet unspectacular 12-year career.

Apparently, that all changed once he assumed command. So who's next on the firing line? If you're the Clippers Mike Dunleavy (4-18), Reggie Theus in Sacramento (5-16), Indy's Jim O'Brien (7-13) or Marc Iavaroni of the Grizzlies (6-15) don't make any long term plans.

The difference between they and rest of their NBA counterparts and the folks who've driven the auto industry into the ground is they're not likely to receive bailouts.

Then again, nobody ever said dealing with pampered, overpaid millionaires would be easy.