Another great game played by the Sixers, that showed fortitude and resilience. Jrue Holiday was abysmal the first half going 1-13, while keeping his turnovers limited. Spencer Hawes really kept the Sixers in the game with some tough rebounding and timely outside shooting. His game made Tom Thibodeau adjust his defense and bring his center Omer Asik out of the lane and take away the little interior defense that the Bulls did have. Spencer Hawes proved to be too much for the remaining bigs of the Bulls. Asik was over matched and could not defend both Hawes and the lane.
Hawes' play opened the lane for the Sixers' wings to do some damage. It was great to see Hawes return to early season form after having a major portion of his season taken by injury. I hope this is not just a push for a new contract and a new focused center that could really lead the Sixers deep into the playoffs.
(More After the Break)
The Bulls stayed in the game with Boozer, Gibson and a determined CJ Watson. Watson and Jrue Holiday had some great back and forth in the third and fourth quarters that was really good basketball. Iguodola played another great all around game. If you want to know what Iguodola's worth is to a team watch this game. He had 14 effectively scored points scattered throughout pivotal moments during the game. He had 12 rebounds as a guard which undoubtedly contributed to the victory. And most importantly he defended All Star Luol Deng keeping him from being a significant factor.
Iguodala Shoots around before Game 4
All this was accentuated by a great half court chest past to a streaking Jrue Holiday that was the spark that Jrue's game needed. After that point Jrue was lights out. He scored on whoever guarded him and whoever was in his way with precision. Not a wasted motion with the basketball in his hand which led him to a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. The Sixers as a team only had 8, continuing a theme from the regular season. Clutch three point shooting off of high screens in the forth by Jrue put pressure on the Bulls. Iguodola really had some clutch baskets and passes down the stretch.
Like Friday's game, today the Sixers did not settle for jump-shots. They won the free throw by shooting 31 to the Bulls' 14. The Sixers played inspired defense led by Iguodola and Brand. Both had limited but effective offensive game which was sacrificed because of their defensive intensity. Lou Williams wasn't his normal assassin-like self but he did have some pivotal passes that led to decisive buckets.
All in all the Sixers played the game they needed to play to get the desired outcome. They showed a lot of character which will go a long way into what seems to be a now inevitable match-up with the Hawks/Celtics. The Bulls are a good team without Rose and Noah and the Sixers should be proud of their performance thus far.
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