The Pistons and Sixers were the only game in town. Literally.
In the only playoff game in the NBA Thursday night, Detroit closed out the "Philly Cinderelly" story tonight (much to my surprise) by winning big in what was a carbon copy of game five; they got out to a substantial lead in the first quarter and the young Sixers could not dig themselves out. In watching the Pistons for 30-plus years, I have seen them go through the same ordeal. You have to learn how to win, but you have to learn what it takes to do it consistently. The Sixer team that won two games in this series was a stark contrast to the one that lost four games as you could see the confidence sucked from them. I know that sounds elementary, but their losses were so decisive that it took the shine off their wins. Tonight, the luster was completely dusted, 100-77.
It always amuses me how television dictates what the so-called experts and commentators say. When Philadelphia had a couple wins and the series was tied, Philly was young and exciting and playing like they had nothing to lose. But after games five and six, they all revert back to how much better the Pistons were and are. I agree, but after last year's meltdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers, I am not naive enough to think the Sixers couldn't have won this series. With their star, Andre Iguodala shooting HORRIBLE and turning the ball over, Philly was still effective. If their field goal shooting had held up, this series could have at least went seven. The losses demoralized them. Thaddeus Young, who was so electric in the beginning of games disappeared. Willie Green shot so well in the first couple games but then couldn't buy a basket and his offensive frustration carried over to his defense on Rip Hamilton, who struggled with his shot but found it when it counted. Reggie Evans, who was waving his index finger in the "we're number one" fashion and celebrating with the crowd fizzled from his early sizzle. Samuel Dalembert was a load and a problem in the middle early in the series, hitting the fifteen-foot jumper and blocking shots, disappeared. Andre Miller who outplayed Chauncey Billups in games one and two, became very ordinary, very quickly.
I understand the math in moving sharp-shooter Kyle Korver during the season. His big contract will come off the books and it gave the team a chance to start Young, who I think is an All-Star in two years and will be a great compliment to A.I. and Louis Williams, who needs consistency. Iguodala held up well during the season as "The Man", but seemed to buckle under the burden early in the series. I agree with the consensus, he needs to live in the gym this summer and perfect that jumper. From three, from mid-range, from everywhere. He constantly wanted a call driving to the hoop, sometimes getting it, sometimes not, but Detroit was going to let him shoot the jumper, knowing that was their best defense against him, as well as the rest of the athletic Sixers. They need a threat or two out there. They have the coach that will take them to the next level, they just need some pieces.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.