Third consecutive win @ Houston and counting (19-31, .380).

Reguardless of what effect they might have in the medium-long term, I must say I always enjoy watching my Sixers winning basketball games.

The 95-102 victory in Houston was no exception. In fact, I was particularly pleased to see them coming back strong in the second half, D' up, erase a 13 point Rockets lead and seal the win with a fantastic fourth quarter.

Give credit when credit is due: it was a total team effort and the coach did his part as well.

Eleven players used, eleven on the scoreboard, five in double figure, key plays coming from many different guys, in the second night of a back-to-back, on the road, facing another team with a winning record. Maybe I wasn't so off the mark when I said this is a deep team and that the shortened rotation wasn't a smart choice. Even when it seemed to work, I mean.

THREE ANSWERS

1) Yes, Andre Iguodala came up huge in the final quarter, after struggling for the first three (1/6 at a point). I like the fact that he didn't force things, he was clearly frustrated for Rocket's great defense but didn't force anything. Andre continued to play hard, rebound, distribute the ball: when he had an open look, he drained the game winning three (91-97, 1.38 to play).

Great, smart, unselfish game, played like a true leader this time.

2) Yes, I am officially a Brooks groupie. He's simply phenomenal. Seventeen points in the second quarter (four threes) to spark a 18-0 Houston run. Only Jrue Holiday managed to limit him, but in the final minutes, when he was clearly tired. Williams, Ivey & friends will remember his game for a while: after dropping 19 points on 4/5 from three at the half, Brook started the third quarter giving the Rockets their largest lead of the night, 60-47, with his fifth trey.

I thought it was the beginning of the end. Fortunately I was wrong, one more time. But Brooks.. boy, he's a player.

3) How could we get outplayed so badly in the first half? 57-47 Rockets, holding a 24-15 rebounding edge and shooting sixteen free throws vs our four (!). Their bench gave them a lot of energy (26 points), we didn't a great job of boxing them out, and our painted area was free territory for their drives. Of course playing Speights with Young in the frontcourt won't give you much chances to secure the boards, especially against a good offensive rebounding team like Houston (more after the jump).

.. that is the worst nightmare for every Sixers fan with half a brain.

The 94-101 win at New Orleans, third straight (a season 'best'...), was far from exciting but pushed Sixers to a 18-31 record (.367), which is still way below "mediocrity".

But I just checked and with thirty-three games remaining Sixers have really good chances to end the season in that "no playoffs-no lottery" territory that would be horrible for the future of this already troubled franchise.

If Sixers go 17-16 the rest of the way, something I think they are very capable of doing (unfortunately ?), they'll close with a 35-47 record.

That guarantees you NOT making the post season, NOT getting a high pick and, therefore, another couple of years of sucking. I don't think I can sustain that.

By the way Sixers finished 35-47 in 2006/2007, the year Iverson was traded, with a strong-and-useless push in the final games, carried by Andre Miller and Joe Smith, remember? Well, that effort was "good" for the 9th place in the Conference and pick #12 (=Thaddeus Young)...

While I am not a tanker, I must say I don't want to see that movie - and the movies we saw in the following seasons - again. Thank you.

Back to the Hornets game.

THREE ANSWERS

1) Yes, it would have been difficult to lose this game. Playing without Chris Paul, Hornets looked lost and uninspired. Sixers got a huge lift from the bench and made a nice run in the second quarter: our reserves scored 30 points in the first half (Young 11 on 5/5, Carney 10)

2) No, I don't want to brag but I said many many times that one of the biggest (few?) strenghths of this team is its depth. We might lack true superstars, but we have a bunch of good, versatile players that give the coach many opportunities for specific situations and needings: defense, offense, open court, half court, small lineups, tall lineups etc etc.

That's why I never liked the 7 and 1/2 man rotation Jordan went with for a good stretch (even if it worked a bit, I have to admit), while I am ok with nine-ten men used every night, like at New Orleans. As for distribution of minutes, well, that's another story.

 3) Yes, Young (in the pic) was my MVP of the night, even if Iguodala played another excellent all around game. I'll give Thad the nod only because Iguodala was "guarded" by (the statue of) Stojakovic (more after the jump).

Mike Fisher from DallasBasketball.com is an excellent blogger, with a lot of sources inside the Mavs team.

Also, I will always be thankful to him because my old blog had one of its all tim peaks in traffic after being linked by him, running a well know and respected site (as if it someone cares...anyway...).

Therefore, if he reports that Mavs are weighing a Iguodala-AND-Brand to Dallas trade, you have to take the rumor into serious consideration. I received this story in my mailbox this morning and it shocked me a little bit. Definitely worth some thoughs.

Yes, because it's the first time that a possible trade centered on Iguodala has Elton (and not Dalembert, or others) involved. 

You know what? If I was Cuban, I'd do that trade. With either Brand OR Dalembert.

Dallas is already a legit contender and obviously in "win now" mode. They didn't sign a 36 y/o Kidd to a three year/25 mill extention last summer thinking mid/long term.

Mavs are an excellent team but lack low post presence: Brand (and Dalembert) would provide that. Are our two guys' contracts bad? Yes, no question. But remember Mavs are already giving Dampier 10 million to have a Dalembert-like production and Sam is basically a younger, more athletic, overall better Dampier. 

Sam would be a decent fit in Texas for a run to the title this year, especially to face Lakers' strong, tall frontcourt in the WCF. Worst case-scenario, next year he would be an expiring contract.

Iguodala would be excellent in Mavs' system in my opinion: they have all the shooters that Sixers lack, they have great passers and two leaders in Kidd and Dirk: he would be a perfect "third banana".

But Brand would give Dallas another dimension: a surely-overpaid-but-still-effective low post scorer, a veteran that "plays the right way", that can create his own shot, command some double teams, play good defense, block shots. And is a good team mate (Ok I'm sounding like Brand's agent now... but you know I like the guy).

Of course it would be a very risky and expensive bet for Mark Cuban (a 108 million bet, exactly...), but I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled the trigger on that one (more after the jump).

Iverson out, Iguodala in.

Final outcome, Sixers beat Chicago 106-103 in OT (17-31, .354) and Andre is by far the MVP of the game, making (nearly) all the clutch plays.

Brian from Depressed fan, long time Iguodala's fan, is asking whether this is a coincidence or not. I have a strong suspect that the two things are related. Surely, the question can be raised.

While my thoughts about Andre's questionable plays down the stretch is pretty well documented, all I can do this time is underline his amazing all around game and take my hat off to him.

Let's make this clear: I was not, I am not and I will never be the kind of negadelphian that wants that Sixers (or any single player, for that matter) continue to suck so that he can say "I told you so". Ok?

So I am more than happy to say that Iguodala was decisive last night. This willl not change my opinion on him, for the good and for the bad part, but surely it's a point in his favor, so more power to him this time. Let's hope he puts together more games like this one, and closes them all. Then I'll review my judgement.

Did Andre win the game alone? No. Many things to analyze (after the jump).

Because this one was REALLY ugly.

I mean 79-83 over the Nets playing without Devin Harris.

No wonder we "rose" to 16-31 (.340) after this dreadful show.

Better make the post short and move on.

THREE ANSWERS

1) Yes, the Nets had the ball to tie the game with 10 seconds left (77-80), but Jarvin Hayes - that had made four from behind the arc - airballed a contested three.

Thaddeus Young, and I mean T-h-a-d-d-e-u-s Y-o-u-n-g (why I am repeating this? read below..), secured the rebound, got fouled and made two from the line to close the game, 77-82.

Not a glorious end, but it could have been worse.

2) Yes, we managed to get outrebounded by the Nets, 50-47. Not bad.

3) No, I am not done with the ugly stats. What's worse, shooting 36%, missing ELEVEN free throws or letting Jarvin Hayes score 18 off the bench, with four identical corner threes and eight rebounds? Tough race here.

THREE QUESTIONS

1) Why wasn't Carney used in the second half, since he was so good in the second quarter (nine points)? Jordan put a spirited Rodney back with only 30 seconds left, to protect our six point lead.... he surely felt great.

2) What did Jrue Holiday do so wrong to deserve not getting any minute after he played the first eight? Yes, he missed some shots, but it's not like his team mates were shooting the lights out...

3) How about Brand's 'clutchness'? Or lackthereof? After blowing a layup in Milwaukee to tie the game in the finals moments, this time he bricked a couple of free throws with 22.8 seconds left and Sixeers leading by only three (77-80, right), leaving the door open to New Jersey.

Pretty scaring to me, but also telling about what's on his mind in this (sad) moment of his career.

REASONS

Why we won the game

Shot 3/19 in the decisive quarter. Wait, no, that should't be mention as a good thing. Uhm. Nets shooting 6/20 in the third and not getting to the line once?

Ok, Iguodala knocked down a nice long jumper to make it a four point game with 1.30 to play (74-78), at the two teams' scoring rate that was a pretty safe lead... it could perhaps be considered the decisive field goal. Jeez.

Dalembert had a nice start (ten points on 4/4 in the first quarter + four rebounds).

To be worried

I lost the count of missed putbacks, lauyps and alley oop passes that actually resulted into a turnover. Awful offensive game by the Sixers, really. Even Speights took a night off, missing three from the line and a dunk.

To be optimistic

I can still make it to NBA.com's editorial staff. From their recap of the game:

There were only 8.9 seconds left after the Nets' miss. 76ers forward Jason Smith made it a two-possession game, at 82-77, with a pair from the line.

Guys, Jason Smith = Sixers #14. Thaddeus Young = Sixers #21. Also, one is white, the other is black. Not so easy to mistake the two of them, uh? So that was Thaddeus Young at the line. Ok? Deal.

Well, nice defensive effort, at least, right? NO !!! Wrong !!

If you take out the final play, Sixers' defense was far from impressive. It's just that the Nets suck and are damn soft. Ten free throws attempted ??? Brooke Lopez wasn't 100%, to be honest.

Chicago coming on Wednesday. Will we play with this same roster? Not so sure.

Low standards, again. You know, Sixers fans. They might be happy with losses.

The 91-99 to the LA Kobes was at least a good game, in which we gave a good effort and were beaten by a clearly superior team.

Sixers' record is 15-31 now (.326), good for the 14th position in the conference. Ouch.

Of course, I still wish Lakers all the worst in the season - from a bball standpoint, I mean - but I was pleased to see our guys playing their butts off for 48 minutes.

Recap will be quick.

THREE ANSWERS

1) Iverson effect + trade rumors starting to bother him. That's my answer to Iguodala's recent struggles. Andre reached double figure in only one of the last five games. He definitely gets less touches, can't run in fastbreaks much and plays a lot in the post, where he gets ALWAYS doubled and rarely can get a good shot off. And the jumper is not falling, which is not helping. Tough stretch definitely.

2) No, Lou Williams is not a happy camper either. Only eight minutes, by far a season low. The least he played before this game was 19. Which was two games ago, at Milwaukee. When he got pulled out and didn't join his team mates in the huddle during a timeout. Uhm. I see dark clouds coming.

3) Yes, it was nice to see Iverson explode for 15 points (6/7) in the third, when Sixers cut an early sixteen point deficit (42-58) to five (63-68). It was vintage AI: a couple of threes, a tough drive finished with a banked shot while getting fouled by Derek Fisher that brought the fans to their feet. Good times. We all knew it wouldn't have been enough to win the game though. Right? (more after the jump)

You can update your list of chokers. Add Elton Brand there.

Ironically (uhm, maybe not), it was him, by far our MVP of the night, to blow the decisive shot, a 1-vs-0 layup with 8 seconds left (same as in the pic, minus the opponent...).

Sixers lost 91-88 in Milwaukee, to fall to a putrid 15-30 record (.333).

Actually after that unbelievable miss, Brand grabbed the offensive rebound and was short on another one, a fallaway jumper.

Then Ridnour went only 1/2 from the line with 2 seconds left, so that Iguodala could misfire on his umpteenth jumper at the buzzer.

So this is the updated stat about our last shots: as a team we are 0/9 this year.

Iguodala is 0/5: misses at NY (Oct 31, end of regulation, Sixers eventually won in OT 141-127), Nov 30 at Dallas (104-102 Mavs), Dec 5 at Charlotte (106-105 Bobcats), Jan 18 at Minnesota (end of regulation, Sixers eventually lost in OT, 108-103 T'Wolves), and Jan 27 at Milwaukee (91-88 Bucks). The "Choke-late thunder" ? How do you like this nickname? I just made it up for you.

Lou Williams is 0/1, last second missed three at Washington, Nov 24 (108-107 Wizards).

Carney is 0/1, last second missed three at home vs the Knicks, Jan 13 (92-93).

So it's actually 0/7. Technically Brand's point blank shot is not a last second attempt, but, I mean, you can't keep a blown layup with eight seconds left out of this list, right? So make it at least 0/8, and 0/9 if you include his following, second miss (which you should do).

That's a pretty remarkable list of choking jobs. It includes jumpers (way open & contested), some threes, a layup. Different players are involved but you gotta love how we insist putting the ball in Iguodala's hands down the stretch.

Not that others did better, even in "easier" situations - with open looks I mean. Bottom line, Sixers will always find a way to f'k things up down the stretch. I told you tankers shouldn't worry (more after the jump).

Lot of talking lately about Sixers in fight for a playoffs spot, still having time to fix the season etc etc... also, many tankers out there, and many are worried that we won't make the lottery and get a high pick this summer.

Well, in all honestly I think tankers should chill out, have some drinks, light a cigar, "enjoy" our games.

Just keep in mind these facts, coming to my head after the disheartening 98-109 home loss to the Pacers.

1) Fourty-four games into the season (15-29, .341) and we couldn't win more than two straight games yet.

2) Lost to a team whose go-to-guy down the stretch was Dahntay Jones (18 points...).

Interesting facts about Jones: he will turn 30 next December and averages under s-i-x points per game for the career, on 44%. Imagine dear old Greg Brickner, minus the six year-contract Billy King gave him. We got killed by this guy.

3) Held only a three point advantage in the first half despite shooting 61% (24/39).

4) Eddie Jordan is our coach.

I could add more, but I think everybody feels safer now.

After all, this is the same team that lost to Minnesota, playing without Kevin Love, after blowing a 20 point lead, and that struggled to beat the Nets, with a combined six point edge in two games.

Third worst in the East, "trailing" the second worst Wizards only by 1/2 of a game. Sixers "basketball" baby.

THREE ANSWERS

1) Yes, we got outrebounded by the Pacers (41-39). It wasn't easy, but we did it. Taking my hat off to the guys and the coach. Giving 21 minutes to Dalembert (13 rebounds) while getting abused in the paint and allowing up multiple layups and off rebounds was especially brilliant, I appreciated.

When asked if he thought of bringing Dalembert in to help limit the Pacers' inside game, Jordan flatly responded, "No."

You gotta love the semplicity here, the decision (*leaves his desk and ideally gives Jordan a standing ovation*). Next time it will be: "Do you want to win games?" And he will go: "Why?".

2) Yes, I am really proud of myself for not throwing up and/or throwing my computer out of the window during the game. Dahntay Jones with eleven fourth quarter points, and seven straight (97-102, 1.42 left), are you f'n kidding me?

3) No, no Speights either down the stretch, he sat out the whole fourth quarter, the same period in which he proved many times he can be our best player offensively. We went with 31 minutes of Thad Young (3/12), instead (more after the jump)

Pretty nice win. And some good signs.

Following the remarkable game vs Mavericks, in the second night of a back-to-back Sixers (15-28, .349) took care of business getting out of Indiana with a encoraging 97-107 win.

As sad as it sounds, now Sixers have a great opportunity to win three straight games for the first time this season (...), because they meet the Pacers again on Monday.

I liked what I saw in Indiana, so let's try to focus on the many positives (always keeping in mind that "it was the Pacers", exactly...)

THREE ANSWERS

1) Yes, we outrebounded the Pacers pretty bad, as expected: 52-44. The sixteen off rebounds were a key, because we didn't shoot the ball well (with a couple of big exceptions, see below). Interesting how Troy Murphy absolutely dominated the boards in the beginning, collecting eight in the first quarter and twelve at the half, but stopped there.

Sam was a beast in the few minutes he got, I was surprised he didn't play much in the second half. But there was a reason: Pacers have ZERO inside game (not 'few': zero) so they were just settling for jumpers, he would have been taken too far from the basket, so I say not a bad decision by Jordan this time. Also Thad (in the pic, my MVP), Brand and Iguodala were making up for his absence. 

2) Yes, it was 7/9 from behind the arc at a point, and we finished at 7/11, 5/6 in the first half. Believe it. Yes, it was the Sixers. Brand had a pair of very nice kick outs that were completed by guys on the perimeter: once it was Iguodala, once Iverson, but maybe I missed some more. That was something we have been waiting for, what?, two years?

3) No, don't read the boxscore too quick, check it carefully. I'll help you out in focusing on the best stats. In this order: Thaddeus Young's TEN rebounds in 26 minutes. Only ten turnovers (vs Pacers' twenty-one). Five players in double figure, and nine scoring. 87% free throw shooting. The aforementioned four dimes by Elton Brand. There you go (more after the jump).

We're He's not there yet, but we're he's taking some steps.

In a rare moment of smartness, Eddie Jordan made a big starting lineup change and as a result Sixers beat Dallas 92-81 in one of their best games of the season (14-28, .333).

I'd like to begin this post with two 'interesting' quotes. From Yahoo Sports' recap:

"...said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. “They’re a talented team, certainly better than their record.”

He surely didn't mean that, but I read it as =  "if properly coached, they would be ranked  higher in the standings".

And from Kate Fagan's article:

Jordan said his team held an "emotional edge" off the bench. He said he made the move because Brand had earned a starting spot and because he believed that the previous starting backcourt of Williams and Allen Iverson lacked defensive presence.

Now both sentences come as shockers to me.

While I never thought that a team with Iguodala, Brand, Iverson, Williams, Young etc etc could do better than 13-28 at mid season, especially in such a tough conference, I always firmly believed that Iverson and Lou Williams formed a backcourt of solid defenders, I'd even say stoppers. But it's me, clearly.

There are many positives to take from this game and I'll try to recap them. While the new starting lineup, ninth of the season, (...) is still not the one I'd like, seeing Jrue Holiday and Brand back into it at tip off is still a huge improvement over the crap that Jordan has been giving us as of late. 

I repeat that MY starting lineup would include Williams - yes, I'd still have Holiday coming off the bench - Iguodala, Young, Brand and Dalembert, meaning the projected starters before the season began.

The bold (?) move by Eddie Jordan paid off, because Thaddeus Young, sitting for the first time, had his best game of the season, exploding for 16 points in the second quarter and carrying the Sixers' bench to a whopping 56 points.

I was extremely pleased by Lou Williams' game as well: his benching had a nice effect, because he played great, spirited. How about six rebounds?

Mavericks were soundly outplayed, outrebounded (49-42, now this is shocking) and outhustled: it was nice to see Iverson, struggling all night with his shot, diving on the floor for a loose ball, Speights jumping around to block shots, Young and even Green hitting the offensive glass for some putbacks.

To cut it short, Sixers LOOKED like a team last night. Can they carry it on? (more after the jump)