Sixers Dig Deep and Take Game 2

Tough game on the eyes once again but the Sixers won in the end.  A strong game by Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala lead the Sixers.  Jrue had 18 points, 3 assists, and most importantly 1 turnover to lead the Sixers.  He had timely baskets in clutch situations and a less than ideal turnover in the next play.  His youth has a tendency to come out in the most inconvenient times but it was outweighed by his shooting and his teammates ability to step up.  Evan Turner had big buckets in the 4th quarter showing Doug Collins that he made the right decision in leaving him in the game.  Lou had arguably his best all around game in the playoffs with some decent defense, for Lou that is, on Rajon Rondo.  Rondo had his normal 13 assists.  Lou seemed to do a better job than Jrue keeping Rondo out of his normal rhythm and kept good care of the ball with no turnovers.  He played a solid 39 minutes off the bench.  The Celtics fell into deep slumps where they could not hit anything.

#Hashtag of the Day: #IllTradeBoozerFor

Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls played so horendously last night that Bulls fans woke up angry.  Below are some funny tweets with the above-metioned tagline:

#IllTradeBoozerFor the Krabby Patty Secret Formula

— Tristan (@tristanyv) May 11, 2012

#IllTradeBoozerFor Lebron's hairline.

— Grandad (@GrandadJFreeman) May 11, 2012

#IllTradeBoozerFor 42 cents and half a left shoe.

— Luke Kligis (@Kligis) May 11, 2012

#IllTradeBoozerFor A piece of gum ....underneath a school desk

— DammmHeFly ♕(@ImTooSwavey) May 11, 2012

With Derrick Rose out with a torn ACL, the pressure fell on power forward Carlos Boozer. Boozer pulled down 13 boards, but that was the lone bright stat from last night's game. He went 1 for 11 from the field for 3 points, and only made it to the foul line once. Due to his lack of everything, Boozer only played 27 minutes in the game and accrued 3 turnovers in that time.

Sixers Complete Upset of Shorthanded #1 Seed

Yea, it was about that tough.

As a Philly sports fan I prepare myself for anything.  And as history dictates, I was preparing myself for the worst and hoping for the best.  For the first time in recent history the city of Philadelphia and the Sixers were rewarded.  Iguodala, who had a aggravatingly sub par year from the stripe, made two pressure free throws to win the game.  I am elated that the Sixers chose the playoffs as a time to pull out close games.  This is when it counts most, right?

The first half was exactly as I would have diagrammed it if I were Doug Collins.  The Bulls put forth a valiant effort, but just could not keep up with the Sixers' defense in the first.  Luol Deng had a strong first half with 10, but was forced to sit when an errant elbow cracked his face open.  He was assisted by spark plug and St. Joe's nemesis, John Lucas,III .  The Bulls ran the same screen and go play 4 straight times down the floor and it led to Jon Lucas scoring a quick 7 points.  The frountcourt of the Bulls played very aggressively and physically.  Leading to 14 points for Taj Gibson, 10 for Omer Asik.  Asik had a career game with highs for points and rebounds(9).

The energy of the Bulls was admirable but the Sixers could not miss it seems in the first half.  The Bulls decided to go under screens for Jrue Holiday and Jrue took the shot when it was given to him.  He led the team with 12 in the half.  Iguodala decided to go shot for shot with Deng in this game to go along with some decent defense.  Deng had 19 on .500 shooting but most of his shots were on put backs, and that is reflected in his gaudy number of rebounds(17).  Lou Williams got off in the second quarter scoring 11 points.  Lou took his defensive assignment seriously tonight.  He countered some shaky decisions with 3 steals that led to some easy baskets that always works wonder for his jump shot.

Sixers Take on Bulls In Game 6

Alright ladies and gentleman, time for game 6.  I am eager to see how the Sixers respond to the Bulls taking game 5.  The Sixers need to make sure they live on the free throw line because that is how they won their games this series.  Jrue will need to keep up his aggressiveness and also find a way to jump-start the offense of his teammates.  I know it is a lot to ask but he has showed the potential to be an elite combo guard this series.  Now, he will have to do it when it matters most.  Spencer Hawes will have to continue his double double play that has been a big part of this series.  We will need him especially if Joakim Noah plays, at time of this post he is still a game time decision.  I guess they mean that literally.  Defense will be crucial to the Sixers getting out on the fast break and limiting the Bulls' second chance opportunities.  Our bench must come through, especially in those times of the game when the Sixers struggle to score.  That means Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young will have to show up big time.  Lou has been pretty consistent and needs to stay on the attack.  Thaddeus needs to do the exact opposite of what he has been doing this series.  Thad has had zero effect on the offensive side, while doing an average job on Boozer defensively.  The player who will be most important to me is Evan Turner.  His ability to drive to the bucket and get contact should keep him on the charity stripe. Foul trouble plagued him last game and he needs to realize that the Bulls are intentionally doing this.  He needs to control his temper.  I am predicting a 5 point win by the Sixers and we will await the dreaded Celtics who are their likely opponent in the Conference Semifinals.  Let's go Sixers!!

Sixers High-Low Decimated Bulls To Take a 3-1 Lead

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)

Sixers Top Bulls, Tie Series 1-1

Elton Brand slams it down while the Bulls just watch. BLEACHERREPORT

Great all around team game played by the Sixers on Tuesday.  Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday really stepped up and overwhelmed the Bulls defense individually and simultaneously all game.  The backcourt of the Sixers proved to be too much with Evan scoring 19, grabbing 7 boards, and dishing 6 dimes.  Evan looked in control much of the game and dismantled whomever the Bulls put in front of him.  Jrue was even more spectacular with his jump shot dropping and using that to set up his driving.  He abused the Bulls defense for 26 points and dishing 6 dimes also.  The Bulls were punished for going under screens and not pressing the ball the way they were with Lou all season.  This was the best performance of Evan and Jrue's young career together and gives all the fans and haters of the Sixers something look forward to. With great support from the best bench in the business starring Lou (Williams) with 20, Lavoy (Allen) with 11 and 9 rebounds respectively, and Thad(deus Young) with 8 and 6 rebounds, it made their job easier.  Andre Iguodala had a solid all around game, including playing stellar defense on Luol Deng.    I personally thought before the series began that they were capable of winning, but now with Rose down I predict they will take it in 6.  If you do not believe me check my comments to SportsTalkDaily last week.  Evan is and will continue to show and prove.

Video Recap of Game 2