| Sixers Breakdown Shocks Home Crowd Authored by Brian Poliakoff - November 2, 2005 - 9:19 am
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On opening night in the Wachovia Center, the Sixers cracked and let one slip away.
They blew a late lead at the end of regulation with awful clock management and a failure to guard the best shooter in the building with the game on the line. Michael Redd hit a crowd-stunning and game tying three point shot with just less than two seconds left in the game.
It’s mind boggling that the entire Philly defense, and more specifically Kyle Korver, collapsed on T.J. Ford in the paint when everyone knew the Bucks need a three to tie.
Some of the blame should be placed on Andre Iguodala. If he didn’t foul out on a foolish play in which he grabbed Redd’s shorts in the Bucks’ previous possession, perhaps the Sixers best perimeter defender would have been in the game to guard Redd.
Just why was John Salmons shooting early in the shot clock with less than two minutes left in the game.
Either way, after a fabulous start in which Allen Iverson and Chris Webber showed critics that they at least for the first night of this season could play together – and do so productively – the team’s lack of fundamentals cost them a game they deserved to win.
Other notable negatives included the lack of production from Kyle Korver and Iguodala, who combined for one more point (12) than fouls (11). This could be attributed to the dominance of the ball by AI and Webber.
Looks like Maurice Cheeks has some areas to address before tonight’s game against the Eastern Conference Champion Detroit Pistons.
And although it’s hard to think of positives after a demoralizing defeat like this, there were a few to take away from the game.
Webber showed glimpses of his prior all-star form with 32 points, 14 boards and five assists. The new look Cheeks offense seemed to utilize Webber for what he’s known for. He passed the ball well from the top of the key, hit jumpers and showed some solid inside play against a formidable Bucks front line.
Webber’s presence still gave way for Iverson to chuck up his usual 29 shots en route to 35 points. AI also added 9 assists.
Steven Hunter filled in admirably for Sammy Dalembert. He showed a scoring touch early in the contest.
Before his ill-advised shots late in the game, Salmons did provide a spark off the bench.
So while I’m well aware that there are 81 games left in the season and that this one represents a minor piece of the pie, I still must call it like I see it.
This loss hurts and it won’t get any easier with a visit to Detroit tonight. |
