...(bounce)...(bounce)...

That's the sound of the Sixers dropping the ball in their last two games. Now I can understand a loss in Detroit, who is playing for their playoff lives, a little bit easier then a home loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. That's the second time this season the Sixers have lost to the Bobcats and both times the outside shooting of Charlotta was the difference-maker. The Sixers had a dreadful first half by only scoring 33 points but then made a game of it too late. Extend that game and Sixers likely win it but that's not how it goes in the NBA. You gotta play 48 minutes. It didn't matter what happened in the 4th because the Sixers were down 17 at the half and that was it. Inexcusable. Now they face a tougher assignment in needing to beat teams like Atlanta, Cleveland and Boston which will be tough. You must take care of business down the stretch if you are going to be a viable threat heading into the playoffs. It's time to get serious starting tonight against the Hawks. That would be a confidence win to use against Milwaukee on Thursday and hopefully carry over that energy into Saturday's game for what looks like it will be a large crowd on hand to see Iverson. A 3-game stretch that will be extremely important for them. Let's see what they're made of...

Sixers Take Care of New Look Wolves

Thankfully. That's because the "new look" Minnesota trotted out last night was a starting lineup of reserves! Apparently they were being rewarded for their hard play against bottom-feeding Oklahoma City (which unfortunately DID beat the Sixers this year). The Wolves definitely made a game of it but I fear that it was also more of a combination between the Sixers returning home after a long trip as well as showing their occasional tendency to play down to certain competition. The team seemed ice cold from the field in the first half and simply were not getting any assists nor getting out on the break. We actually saw something again this game where Thad Young has been starting to get some looks in the "go-to" role. He was the only consistent scorer last night (once again putting up 29 points). Nice spot for Ivey coming off the bench to hit a couple 3's and give the Sixers a cushion.

In the end, it's a win even though it was more hairy than expected. Sixers are now 4 games over .500 and have won 4 in a row at home. With Charlotte coming in on Friday, it present a great opportunity to move to 5 games above .500 for the first time in several years. Also, it's not too early to start watching the scores of Miami and Detroit and understand that every game is going to matter. I'm preparing myself now for that one killer late-season loss the Sixers usually take and just hoping it doesn't bite them too bad. They must take care of business against teams they can beat because they will get no love from Cleveland, Detroit, Boston, and Atlanta down the stretch.

Sixers Wrap Up Road Trip in Grand Fashion with Win Over Portland

What a road trip it was! Before heading out west, I was hoping the Sixers would just take care of business and beat the Warriors and Kings. They sure made it interesting by knocking off the Lakers to start the trip. Then the hope was that they could grab 3 out of 5 games. After the unfortunate loss to Golden State, they took care of the Kings (no drama expected there) and returned the next night to beat the Blazers...in Portland...on the second night of a back-to-back and at the end of a 5-games-in-7-nights road trip. Simply unreal. For starters, the Blazers were 28-6 at home going into last night. They also have been 17-3 against teams who have played the previous night. The Sixers got out to a nice lead in the first half with some hot shooting but it was widely expected things would settle down in the second half. It's so tough to shoot so well for a whole game and keep up a fast pace when you've played the night before. Everyone stepped up for this. The Miller-Iguodala-Young trifecta supplied the offense and guys like Evans, Dalembert and Ratliff sure gave a great effort on the defensive end. Sammy was unreal in the closing minutes on the boards against Oden and Aldridge. Also something to note was the Sixers' foul shooting. They were 35-39 and needed every one. I was nervous about Iguodala's 4 shots in the closing moments of the 4th because he has been suspect to miss those on more than one occasion.

One more thing to note has been the Sixers overall defense, especially against star-caliber players, lately. The held Dwayne Wade to 18pts (avgs 29.9/gm), Kobe to 11 (avgs. 27.7/gm), and Brandon Roy to 12 (avgs 23/gm). It was obvious during this trip that they were letting up a lot of cumulative points, but there is more behind the final score to Phoenix and Golden State. Golden State has the fastest-pace offense in the league while Phoenix has the 4th highest. That means these teams get a lot of possessions considering many factors (e.g. avg time of possession, takeaways, etc.). Also, the Sixers played Phoenix the night after LA and it was an uphill battle from the start. Not making any excuses in that regard but despite the points let up, they have done a great job of limiting baskets down the stretch when it has mattered.

Ok...one more thing...Thad Young. I find a large part of the reason that the Sixers have won 6 of their last 8 to be the play of Young. He has averaged 23 points over that stretch (his season average is 15) and he has done it while shooting 58% from the field (up from season avg of 49%). He is just more confident these days in his low-post moves, his timing, his range, his right hand, and his awareness on the court.

Iguodala's Confidence, Heroics Help Sixers Shock Lakers

What a finish at the Staples Center last night! The Sixers, facing overwhelming odds against a Lakers team that was 30-4 at home, pulled out a memorable win. Iguodala drained the game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-pointer over Trevor Ariza to win 94-93. It looked like it was going to be yet another "Kobe saves the day" game when Bryant, who was held to only 11 points, drained the go-ahead basket with 6.6 seconds left. In the timeout, Iguodala boldly proclaimed he would shoot a 3 to win the game. He then held true to his word seconds later. The real question is why Ariza didn't foul him with about 3 seconds left? I'm obviously thankful he didn't, not only because Iguodala hit the shot, but because Iguodala has been struggling lately in late-game free-throw situations. I don't know how confident I'd be with him on the line down 2 and shooting even 3 shots. True the Lakers had a foul to give but it depends on how Iguodala could anticipate the foul coming. That's neither here nor there after such a great win to start the 5-game road trip that continues tonight in Phoenix. Should be a tough game but the Sixers won there last year against a better Suns team. Just have to focus on the game at hand and try to build off that win and make this a better-than-expected road trip.