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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Sad Truth About the Sixers/Heat Series

It seems fitting; Miami’s first game debuting the NBA’s most-hated trio was in Philadelphia, and now their first playoff series in search of their inaugural championship starts with the Sixers. The Sixers themselves have had an amazing season, although this was certainly not reflected by attendance. If not for the 3-13 start the Sixers would have been in serious contention for the East’s fifth, or maybe even fourth seed. Their turnaround from that aforementioned awful start, spearheaded by mostly inspiring basketball, save an early Sunday showdown with Sacramento after a certain rap concert, was awesome to watch and can be largely attributed to Coach Collins’ ability to adapt. The Sixers have became a formidable foe for anyone, as late season wins over the likes of the Spurs, Celtics, and Bulls have illustrated.

However, with that being said, the Heat will send the Sixers home for the summer in a series that should last no longer than six games.

It’s sad because the Sixers have really given it a good run after many counted them out after sixteen games, as it seems like the players are largely accepting and embracing their roles for the first time in a few seasons, helping the team to hit its stride. But, Miami has also hit its stride and suddenly looks like the best team in the East, as well as a serious title contender. Just as the Sixers have gelled in the second half of the season, so have the Heat, who look to have worked out many of the lingering lineup questions that haunted them through the season’s first half. With the focus becoming clearer with the start of the playoffs, I expect to see a more motivated and ferocious Miami Heat team, with the comfort of a tumultuous regular season in the rearview.

Match-up wise the Heat have it. The Sixers are stronger at point guard with Jrue Holiday and Lue Williams, but this is where their advantages end. Neither team is especially strong at center, but the Heat are stacked everywhere else. While the Sixers have options to throw at LeBron, no one in the League, let alone on the Sixers, can completely control him, especially with the gleam from his first Championship ring illuminating the end of the tunnel.

While I’m not too worried about Bosh, as Brand and Thad Young should keep him honest on both ends, Dwayne Wade will serve as the difference maker. Philadelphia has no available answer for Wade, who is probably salivating at the opportunity to face the Sixers.

Drawing a first round matchup with Miami is unfortunate, but should not detract from the success the Sixers attained this season. The squad showed a lot of heart while fighting an uphill battle for most of the season. In the end, Miami will move on, but not without a fight from Philadelphia.

20 Reasons to Hate the Heat

With the Sixers facing an upcoming first round series against the Heat, the guys over at http://www.libertyballers.com/ came up with 20 reasons to hate the Heat, in case you need any more fuel for your first round fire.  Seeing the Sixers advance to the second round should be motivation enough, but if not these should help.

 

b3n

 

Reasons #1, 2, and 3: (See picture above)

Reason #4: LeBron James does this to Cleveland fans.

Reason #5: It's always hot there. What's up with that!?

Reason #6: I just found out that Dexter (not Pittman) is actually a TV show and not the real thing. Not cool, Miami.

Reason #7: Dan Gilbert's proper use of Comic Sans indicates we should hate them.

Reason #8: Old people move to Florida, and they're probably what's wrong with the economy.

Reason #9: Because I frequently mix up Danny Almonte and Elian Gonzalez.

Reason #10: Erik Spoelstra couldn't attempt to have a more aggravating name.

Reason #11: Eddie House tries to be BOSSier than Louis Williams.

Reason #12: James Jones will most likely hit an average of 42 three's per game.

Reason #13: 60% of the players on the roster were not on the team last year. There's something wrong with that.

Reason #14: If you want Mexican food, go to the Southwest. Come on.

Reason #15: CSI Miami should not get the ratings it does.

Reason #16: Monsoons are actually less fun than they sound.

Reason #17: They won a title with Shaq in '06. Enough already.

Reason #18: I learned when I was 9 12 18 not to cry when I lost at sports.

Reason #19: Miami-Wade County isn't a real place.

Reason #20: Seriously, LeBron James.

 

Original article: http://www.libertyballers.com/2011/4/12/2105609/sixers-to-play-the-miami-heat-lets-hate-them#storyjump

 

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Coach Collins on Evan Turner’s Declining Minutes

Coach C gives some input on what developments with the team have kept Evan on the bench for maybe longer than initially expected, and about him finding his niche with the team as it’s currently built.