Sixers Pull Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde To Tie Celtics

This was the best Sixers' playoff game I have watched since Iverson and Vince Carter were having dueling 50 point games in 2001 conference semifinals.  The Sixers started off the game on a cold streak that seemed likely to sink the series within the first 3 minutes of the game.  The Celtics picked up right where they left off  in game 3, which was running the court at will.  Brandon Bass played the role of Kevin Garnett scoring 10 in the first quarter and 13 for the half.  Rajon Rondo was also picking the Sixers apart, setting up his teammates to lead them to a 14-0 start.  Rondo ended up with 9 points and 9 assists for the half.  Paul Pierce was hot, running off of screens and knocking down every shot in his sight scoring 12 in the half.  The Sixers offense was anemic to put it mildly.  This was easily the worst first half of the season for the Sixers.   They shot 23 percent from the field and missed a total of 8 free throws.  They were down 15 because they could not hit open shots or get out on the break after misses and turnovers.



The second half started off with much of the same as the Celtics built their lead to 18.  However, the Sixers showed resilience by playing lock down defense for the rest of the game.  Anchored by Lavoy Allen's defense on Kevin Garnett, who looked like he had nothing left for Lavoy.  KG was not his all star self and I am not sure some if it has to do with him being in his 16th season or if it was because Doug Collins matched him up with Lavoy.  Lavoy's play was stellar all game, limiting KG to 3 for 12 shooting and 9 points.  He made a valiant effort to keep him from catching the ball in the lane and turning and elevating for the shot.  Lavoy also did not allow KG many open shots.


Jrue Holiday had an OK game but his turnovers were excessive at 7.  He was relieved by Lou for most of the game because of foul trouble but had an emphatic left handed dunk to spark the Sixers.  Evan Turner did not have a good game where stats were concerned.  But he led the team by showing them how to act.  He was relentlessly attacking the entire game and got to the free throw line.  Evan was no nonsense and not standing for the taunting and bragging that was being done by the Celtics in the previous 6 quarters.  His was the spark and example that led the team to this improbable comeback in my opinion.  Led by his 9 free throws, which led to 36 being taken by the Sixers.

Lou had an incredible all around game.  Scoring 15 timely points in the absence of Jrue and dishing out 8 assists, all but one coming in the second half.  His defense was very effective against Rondo.  Lou did a good job limiting Rondo's production in the second half.  Lou seemed to be too much for the Celtics and had a big hand in much of the comeback by either scoring or assisting on baskets.

Ladies and gentleman we had a Thaddeus Young siting and it was exciting.  He had an incredible fourth where he scored 8 points and dished out 3 assists.  He was uber aggressive in driving the lane and was a willing passer in the inside.  He set up Lavoy on a sweet and timely dunk in the closing minutes.  Andre Iguodala had a great all around game.  He had a sluggish start and was run ragged by Pierce in the early going but he turned it on in the second half.  Iggy's fourth quarter was awesome.  He made a step back jump shot over Ray Allen that showed great poise on his part.  Lou was a catalyst in the fourth setting up Iggy for a 3 that sealed the game.

The Sixers showed a lot of perseverance.  They out rebounded the Celtics by 14 and shot 17 more free throws.  Both key stats to how the Sixers play and win.  Their defense often leads to fast breaks and free throws and this game was no different.  They made up a sizable deficit by not giving up and knocking down some crucial  buckets in the final moments of the game.  If you have watched the Sixers all season you know that their problems stem from poor free throw shooting led by Iggy, a lack of inside presence and an inability to rebound.  These have both seemed to be rectified during the playoffs along with their futility in close games.  They have proven now in 6 games that all of these things are no longer a consistent problem and will continue to do so into the next round I hope.  Looking forward to the game tonight and shutting down the new Garden.  Let's go Sixers!