• March 28, 2024

Sixers Get Their Best Win Of The Season By Blowing Out The Bulls

I wasn’t going to write about this game. I swear I was not going to do this. Some people really love to tick me off. People love to hate on the Sixers. Okay, before I go on my rant here let me slow down for a second and give you some of my thoughts on the Sixers/Bulls game.

This was easily the best win for the Sixers, a 98-82 over the Bulls. The Bulls started out pretty quick and had a 17-11 lead at one point during the first quarter. Until the Sixers finished with 16 to 4 run to end the first giving them a 27-21 lead after the first. The second quarter was a little back and fourth. The Sixers had a 49-44 lead going into halftime.

Then came the third quarter and that has been the Sixers calling card so far this year coming out of halftime at a high level. They had an 11 to 1 run to blow it open, ending the third quarter with a 20 point lead and never looking back. The Bulls only got as close as 12 points after that in fourth quarter. The best win of the year so far for the Sixers.

The Sixers out rebounded the Bulls 43-37. Going into the game the Bulls were the top rebounding team in the league. I have to say one thing before I go into my rant: Derrick Rose is nasty. The Sixers made him earn everything he got against them to their credit. Derrick might be the best finisher at the basket right now. He just makes tough shot after tough shot. He is Allen Iverson with a better body.

Okay, on to my rant, instead of me enjoying Andre Iguodala’s unbelievable night where he decided he was going to make a highlight-reel  film in the third quarter all I heard was that he is still a bum.  I am now starting to get a tad bit mad.

Then I was enjoying watching Lavoy Allen finding on role on this team and showing that he belongs in the league and all I am hearing is that he will never do this again. Okay, now I am ready to start throwing stuff across the room.

The final straw was hearing right as the buzzer sounded to end the game that the Sixers only beat them because Rip Hamilton and Dang were not playing. BOOM, I get it. I understand they did not have a full squad but they still had Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah playing. The Sixers had Hawes out for the ninth straight game so to me at least Rip and Spencer Hawes cancel each other out. The Sixers did what they should do against this Bulls team that was missing two starters,  bury them. Of course that was not enough for the Haters. As I still was getting blasted on Twitter.

Twitter, I really cannot stand you sometimes but I cannot live without you. I am like Boyz II Men; I am down on bended knee for you. Sorry, that was corny as hell. Twitter made me finally give up last night though. I did not want it to ruin my excitement for this team. People are going to hate no matter what the Sixers do it seems. I might sound like a broken recorded here but I just want to kick back and enjoy this ride the Sixers are giving us.

They are young, fun and exciting. I will worry about trading Iggy or amnestying Brand next year. Let this team ride this one out. Unless, Dwight Howard is within reach. Just saying… By the way the Sixers are 2 for 2 in the toughest part of their schedule. On to the Heat, who are easily the best team in the league right now. Sixers are going to need everyone’s A game to beat the Heat on Friday night. Remember showyaluv! Here is the box score and recap.

Joe Hickman Jr.

Bleed Philly Sports! 84 ounces of Coffee a day because that is what I do! Utley's hair has nothing on me! Father of the craziest little girl in the world! Born and raised in Darby, PA! By the way, my Grammar Sucks! You can follow on twitter @phillytugger.

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atra1781
February 2, 2012 8:49 am

This team plays hard. Their up tempo approach can beat anyone.

I think they beat the best team in the league last night.

I could see a 4 or 5 seed and 1 playofff series win.

I would like them to get a big man who can block shots.

Zukny
February 2, 2012 9:46 am

I dont tend to watch a lot of sixers games, but I love listening to em in the car & always try to get to a game or two a season.

That being said, this team has been really playing well this season and the interest is there. I’m thinking the hate your receiving on twitter might be over blown as.. a lot of people seem to be excited about Iggy & the sixers.. Especially after that off the backboard dunk to himself.

Team has turned a corner! Play offs are going to be fun 🙂 that’s right.. playoffs baby

DCar
DCar
February 2, 2012 9:51 am

Although I openly can’t stand Igoudala, & still want him gone ASAP, this team has me hooked. I have to give Collins major props, for getting a team with no consistent go to guy, no stud player, so much youth, & no center right now, to be playing this good. They have IMHO, the best team DF in the NBA. They legitimately have me intrigued. Last night is the 1st game I’ve been to in 6 years.

paulman
paulman
February 2, 2012 10:09 am

After researchign and checking around with NBA sources, I smell a NBA Commisioner led Conspiracy going on by David Stern and TNT…
Commish Stern is pissed that the Celtics and Knicks both suck this year and needs an East Coast Team to play well for Ratings for the NBA..
Word is that Stern has instructed Teams playing the 76ers to take it easy and for many players to sit out, recovering from injuries and to basically let the
the 76ers Win… You heard it here first…

DCar
DCar
February 2, 2012 10:33 am

Paul, LMFBO!!! I was thinking the same thing last night, when I saw Rose not leave the bench, in the 4th. I guess that is conspiracy theorist in the both of us. LOL!!!

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 12:53 pm

Yall must be smoking crack cocaine.. this team is good, they play rock solid team defense and they are hitting big big shots, whether they are 3pt shots or jumpers and what else they have is great coaches.. teams are playing hard but the sixers are playing harder.. stop with the stupid conspiracy theories… get that heck outa here weve been playing great from the start of the season while we were tied with the knicks and other teams.. you guys just cant believe the sixers are playing so great, best team in the east next to miami.. there are no conspiracy theories going on just root for your team, well most of yall arent even true fans anyway unless they go far in the playoffs then you ll jump on the bandwagon, youd rather talk about the eagles who sucked this year and talk about the phils who loss in the first round.. cmon stop with your bull and SHOW YA LUV!

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 2, 2012 1:10 pm

We need to find a way to trade Brand and Turner TOGETHER while they still have some sort of trade value.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
February 2, 2012 1:16 pm

European players chuckle at nba refs — they are all aware of the puppet master refs but being told and seeing how egregious and unsophisticated the manipulaltion is still shocks them the first year in the NBA

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 1:23 pm

Birdo ur out of ur mind. Theyre not trading turner and wont get a deal for brand.. ur crazy if u think so.. Turner is in his 2nd year and is playing great making you look like a clown for you said he sucked haha shows how much you know about ball.. and why would they trade guys that are huge parts of the nucleus of this team? Get out of here man.

paulman
paulman
February 2, 2012 1:35 pm

Easy JH,
I am enjoying this Sixer success for it’s been a long time coming,
But I always have to have a conspiracy theory/angle to check out and or invent when the Philly Teams do welll…It’s just my nature being a Philly Sports Fan since the 70’s and problably similar to DCar’s outlook on things, nothing is ever what it appears to be ..ha ha

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 2, 2012 3:10 pm

Jon Hart — I’m still waiting on Lebron and the Heat to sweep the Mavs.

Turner is playing great?? He has one good game and then 5 lousy ones. I can count on one maybe two hands how many GREAT games Turner has had in his career.

Turner is trash. I’ll stand by that statement until I’m proven otherwise and as of now, no one can prove me otherwise. Just to keep it in perspective, he played 28 minutes last night and had 2 points. GTFOH. #2 Overall Pick is an embarrassment.

schiller
schiller
February 2, 2012 3:32 pm

Birdo – I put more stock into what Doug Collins says than what you say of Turner….I think most others do as well….Collins speaks very highly of the kid.

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 3:48 pm

Birdo is a hater by nature.. he talks about evan turner who makes big shots for this team each night and can play very good defense cmon man you sound so ridiculous talking about evan turners 2 points after the great performance we saw last night.. you need to look at his stats closer and see how complete of a player he is..

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 3:53 pm

I mentioned Lavoy Allen in my other post about the sixers, he was a good player at temple but just lacked energy n a motor, but he has all the moves and ability to be a top flight PF in the nba, heck he even has a nice consistent jumper.. we may not need to get another PF i think we found our gem and he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft and that’s Lavoy Allen.. When elton gets amnestied next year Lavoy will be our new starting PF

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 2, 2012 4:36 pm

Schiller — don’t be a moron and buy into what Doug Collins “says” and look at what he “does”. He spoke highly of Speights as well, how did that work out?

If Collins really saw something in Turner he would start HIM instead of Jodie Meeks who is nothing special as well.

Evan Turner is an average basketball player who was not worthy of being the #2 overall pick, period.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 2, 2012 4:39 pm

Another thing people have to remember is that Doug Collins is the ultimate spin artist. The guy was a TV analyst for how many years? He knows how to be politically correct.

Not taking anything away from his coaching because he’s doing great with that part, but I think people should take what he says about players with a grain of salt. He’s not going to say anything to dissappoint the player.

schiller
schiller
February 2, 2012 5:03 pm

Jhart – I actually would not claissfy Birdo as a hater at all. If you look at the overall body of his posts, it’s not the case. I think he’s hung up on the “#2” pick thing however. He made up his mind that the #2 pick guarantees trust funds and world peace for all, and holds Turner to that standard.

schiller
schiller
February 2, 2012 5:06 pm

Birdo – I hear what you say. But I don’t agree. From watching Collins speak, I find him to be incredibly thoughtful and candid with what he says. He’s calculated about NOT saying things about players he wouldn’t want to back up. He doesn’t just give A+s to everyone, unless they deserve it.

AND – in terms of your point about paying attention to what he DOES as oppossed to SAYS – well then, you think Collins doesn’t like Thad’s play!?!?!?!?!? HELL NO – Not The Case.

If you’ve been watching this team, and Collins, over the past 2 years at all – you’d aggree that who starts is BARELY important to Collins. It’s not about who starts – it’s matchups and frequent substituations. You won’t find a fan or analyst who disagrees with that statemtent.

schiller
schiller
February 2, 2012 5:07 pm

Birdo – Collins was a tv analyst – undeinable fact.

But how does that make him the ultimate spin artist?

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 2, 2012 5:38 pm

That’s what TV analysts do Schiller, they spin ish and make up ish to make themselves sound like they know what they’re talking about while trying to convince us with their absurd opinion.

I catch every Eagles game and TRY to catch every Phillies/Sixers game while also catching Flyers highlights (can’t bring myself to watch men on skates). So yes, I have watched these guys over the past two years and the job Collins has done with them defensively is amazing. You say Collins doesn’t care about who starts, is benched, plays etc. etc. — but I disagree. Meeks is the starter because he can “spread the floor” with his shooting ability better than anyone else on the team.

I believe Meeks is the best shooter on the team and thats THE reason he’s starting over Turner. Evan is actually an oxymoron. He’s a shooting guard that CAN’T shoot.

All this talk about him working with Herb the Shot Doctor and I don’t see ANY improvement from last year.

schiller
schiller
February 2, 2012 6:25 pm

Birdo, I’d say that’s one sweeping generalization. With the exception of gruden, i say that there’s a difference between a top-level coach who does analyst work for a while, than returns to coaching and a “tv analyst”.

paulman
paulman
February 2, 2012 6:28 pm

To Birdo
The Draft of 2010 was not a very good one ot deep in the NBA (as shown so far)
Who in the Top 10-12 Slections of the 2010 Draft is really doing anything special so far in their career.. Hell, even #1 Pick John Wall has been a disappointment. Who would have been some better options to select and why …

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 7:20 pm

I agree paul.. 10′ draft was a very poor one from top to bottom. I dont want to keep hearing we should have drafted this guy or this guy when there all playing at the same level. The third year is usually the tell all but birdo has taken this who evan turner sucks to a whole nother level

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 2, 2012 7:37 pm

I told you guys a year ago that i wanted the sixers to play the bulls in the first round bc we matched up better against them. Its a game of matchips. We did not match up well against the heat and we still dont. But they still did beat the heat twice in that series, but were overmatched. We would have gone to the second round if we played the bulls..

This year is totally different. Teams will dread coming to philly to play us along with our crowd that is easily one of the loudest in the league.. but noone will want to play us come playoff time and even now being that were not only road warriors but we are home warriors, we just dont lose there. So if they dont make it to the second round that would be considered a disappointment, honestly if they keep going i see them in the eastern conference finals.. thats just me but i can see that happening and if they can try and get homecourt throughout the playoffs..

hot97x
hot97x
February 2, 2012 11:04 pm

Birdo you can’t possibly be watching Sixers games. Turner’s shot looks a hundred times better this year than last year, and for the most part he has been a good mid range shooter this year. and the reason Jodie Meeks starts is simple, he fits better with the 1st team and Evan fits better with the 2nd team. Turner is one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA right now, which is very important when the 2nd team sometimes consists of Lou at point, Thad at the 4, and Brand at the 5. THAT is why Evan Turner doesn’t start. Turner is used as a rebounding presence when they go small. you need to pay more attention or stop commenting on things you know nothing about.

DCar
DCar
February 3, 2012 2:21 am

JH, if your reading comprehension was better, you would have understood that I like them & I am giving them their props, you dumb@$$. As far as the conspiracy theory thing, Paulman & I were being sarcastic & having a laugh. Educate yourself better & read slower next time. BTW, Lebron, or as you call him Bron-Bron, is an overrated bum, & can’t shine K. Bryant’s jock strap. LMFBO!!!

DCar
DCar
February 3, 2012 2:22 am

My dislike for them starts & ends with Stinkadala.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 11:40 am

Hot97x — wtf are you talking about? Turners shot looks 100x better? He’s shooting .200 from beyond the arc….. 4 for 20!!

Granted its a low amount of shots taken, but 4 for 20? BE REAL BRO. IF YOU CAN’T SHOOT THE THREE DON’T DO IT!

Turner’s jumpshot is not CONSISTENT AT ALL.

Yes yes, I know what he does off the bench and why he’s in the game. What you’re saying is basically agreeing with what I’m saying. He’s an average basketball player, period. Anybody that thinks he is more than that is a moron.

And if you think he will BECOME more than that, just tell me ONE thing….just ONE thing he does that is above average.

Does he have an above average jumper? NOPE.

Can he jump higher than most? NOPE.

Is he an above average rebounder? NOPE.

Is he an above average passer? NOPE.

All I want is something, ANYTHING, that separates Turner from the rest.

Until then, he’s just another Sam Bowie to me.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 11:51 am

birdo – how does doing one thing above average now say anything about what he will be able to do in the future?

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 12:15 pm

Schiller, just show me something he does EXTREMELY well that will make him a “superstar”?

Lets take the guy picked before him for example John Wall. He’s not that great right now either but you see flashes of greatness in him. He has blazing fast speed. He can dribble better than most. He has the TALENT to be something VERY special in the future.

I don’t see that in Turner. I see a kid with good basketball IQ and average basketball talent — that is all. There is nothing wrong with that….but in terms of #2 overall picks, he’s a bust.

In a draft littered with talent like say…2003… he would have gone in the second round. Late second round.

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 3, 2012 12:40 pm

Bird.. but after turner the talent in 2011s draft was poor poor poor poor. I wanted Cousins too but hes not doing snything spectacular with the kings, same with the dude that went to the twolves his name escapes me but hes also not lighting it up.. to be honest with you Turner is having a better year than john wall and i guarantee wall wishes he was a sixer right about now.. all that kid does is dribble and run 100 mph and is out of control in the process, id rather have jrue holiday who IMO has more upside than wall.. im not a fan of wall. Im happy with the sixers pick.

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
February 3, 2012 12:44 pm

On top of that wall calls himself a pg and we already have our future in Jrue Holiday at that position already.. it wouldnt have made sense to get wall.. whats crazy is wall and holiday are the same age so we will see who has the better career and who will last.. only true pgs will last, wall must develop as a pg and not a sg/pg bc once that speed goes he ll just be another allen iverson type..

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 12:44 pm

I’m neither happy nor mad with the Sixers pick.

It’s just our luck to have the #2 overall pick in a poor draft.

I’m just annoyed with people that think Turner is going to be the truth or is going to be anything else than what he is.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 1:03 pm

Birdo – Extremely well and Superstar – dude, have some reasonable expectations. Superstars are few and far between. And to expect superstardom out of draft picks is nothing but SILLY, or FOOLISH. The only SUPERSTARS that were drrafted in recent history are Durrant and Rose. That’s IT.

And “I’m just annoyed with people that think Turner______ is going to be anything else than what he is.”

THAT’S where you’re being stupid. Don’t sit her and tell me the kid cannot improve beyond the early part of his second year and especially under Doug Collins. That’s BULLSHIT.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 1:14 pm

Schiller, show me. Where can Turner improve? Is he going to eat some magical jumping beans that will make him jump higher than Iguodala?

Is he SUDDENLY going to become a pure shooter?

Will his arms shrink enough to give him better ball control?

Again, Turner is an average basketball player that will most likely be a bench player his entire career.

Some of you see “upside” in Evan Turner, all I want to know is where it’s at. Where is the “upside”? In WHAT PART of his game do you see “upside”?

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 1:28 pm

Birdo – if you can’t fine ways he can improve, then he’s perfect (and he isn’t). Players tend to improve with time, teaching, experience, and hard work. That happens you know. It’s this amazing thing about humans, we can learn and improve at things.

He’s not SUDDENLY going to do anything. He very well might GRADUALLY become a much better basketball player.

It’s astonishing that the concept of gradual human improvement is foreign to you. I guarantee you that it happened to you yourself in your life. I don’t know much about you but I know you can think, communicate, and type pretty damn well. Were you able to do that when you were 5 years old? Did you SUDDENLY become able to do that at some age?

I don’t personally see “upside” in Turner. I don’t see it in any players – I’m no expert. But Collins saw it. But I see him making plays that mean positive things for the team. He drives the the basket incredibly well reently. He’s scrappy and extremely quick with loose balls. He’s rebounding well. His ballhandling is making defenders look like fools.

I feel like the guy whould have to tear Labron’s arms off and behead Dwayne Wade tonight, AND score 99 points (all on 3s) tonight for you to see upside in the kid.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 1:46 pm

Schiller — save your teachings for somebody else. You’re not going to convince me that Turner is just an average player with average game and average defense. (It was embarrassing what Andre Miller did to him a couple weeks ago) Maybe back to back 20 point games or an appearance in the Rookie-Sophomore game (he didn’t make it last year in a POOR draft, kind of odd isn’t it? That the #2 overall pick isn’t even considered a top rookie) would convince me that Turner is going to be MORE than just a player.

You’re a Turner fan, I accept that….but you have no substance to your argument. Do players improve? Of course. But what I’m saying is that I don’t see Turner becoming more than what he is. An average player.

Just so we’re straight, are you trying to tell me he is going to be MORE than an average player? If so, tell me what you see in him that encourages that idea.

I see him as just another Matt Barnes. There’s nothing wrong with that……but those types of players are players you build teams WITH….not build teams AROUND.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 2:11 pm

Birdo – You have me wrong. I’m not a Turner Fan. I’m a sixers fan, and I think Turner is improving. And I am a fan who seriously dislikes (undue) negativity, and fans who think they can predict the future. You sir, are voicing your opinion about a player – and one (at least in terms of current ability) that I agree with. However, you’re also expressing your prediction for him in the future and factoring in a very close minded and over-inflated coneptualization of expectations for a #2 overall draft pick.

To answer your question, no, I am not trying to tell you he is going to be MORE than an average player. But I am trying to tell you that you can’t possibly know now that he WON’T.

I agree that he is a player you build teams with and not one you build team around. There are far less players in the league that you build teams around than teams, and frankly, the sixers don’t have one (DUH! – we all know that and it’s been said over and over).

Again, you’re whole hang up is based on you thinking a #2 pick must be solid gold or bust. That’s limited, closed-minded thinking that really f’s up your perception of reality.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 2:13 pm

Birdo, if we’re able to build a great team with Turner and he improves to be a very good/above average player – I’ll be happy. If they wiin a championship and Turner doesn’t become a superstar I’ll be HAPPY AS CAN BE. It’s not about #2 pick. It’s not about Turner. It’s about the sixers. Period. And I think you’re unreasonably negative and fixated on Turner becuase you spent way too much time drooling over that #2 pick and expected it to solve world peace and end poverty forever.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 2:27 pm

That’s right. I expect a #2 pick to be automatic. BOOM or BUST.

I agree, with the Sixers winning a championship, where Evan Turner was picked wouldn’t matter at all.

But getting more production and consistency out of our #2 overall pick would raise our chances of winning that championship.

I am going to pose a question to you and I want you to answer it and not ignore it like many others do on this site when a question is posed to them. Name me ONE #2 overall pick that came into the league and struggled, only to become something SPECIAL (all-star, etc. etc.) later on in his career. Just name me one. #2 overall picks either come in and shine from the gate, or they struggle and never become much more than an average journeyman basketball player.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 2:48 pm

Birdo – “I expect a #2 pick to be automatic. BOOM or BUST”. Thanks for being honest. Do you also expect orgasms within the first 5 mintues of the first date? Do you also expect a jackpot everytime you pull a slot machine lever? Do you expect a budget surplus, no wars, 0 % unemployment and satisfaction for all from at the beginning of every presidential term?

You must be one disappointed person in life.

As to your question – I can’t answer it now. Heck, I can’t raddle of 3 former #2 picks off the top of my head – I don’t follow the NBA draft THAT closely – does anybody?

But I’ll look into it.

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 2:53 pm

Schiller — great! Tell me what you find.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 3:20 pm

Tyson Chandler

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 3:23 pm

Tyson Chandler? A journeyman center…..that’s what you’re giving me?

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 3:26 pm

I already did the research. I know the lone player that was the #2 overall pick that struggled early but became a star later in his career. I just want YOU to tell me who that is.

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 3:27 pm

Forget the #2 pick part for a moment, who other than Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Howard, Wade, DIrk, Rose, or Durant would you be happy with? Or are those guys not good enough for you? What IS your standard? Would God be able to hang with your expectations?

schiller
schiller
February 3, 2012 3:28 pm

And that would achieve WHAT?

BirdoBeamen
BirdoBeamen
February 3, 2012 3:35 pm

There you go, can’t stand the fact that you have no argument to stand on. I asked you a question and told you to provide me with an answer. Your words:

“Again, you’re whole hang up is based on you thinking a #2 pick must be solid gold or bust. That’s limited, closed-minded thinking that really f’s up your perception of reality.”

You make it seem like I’m talking out of my ass when it comes to how I feel about Turner being “BOOM or BUST”.

History, however, is on my side. #2 Overall picks are expected to produce almost immediately….at least within their second year…..if they don’t, they fall into the category of being simple average journeymen. The last #2 overall pick to start slow but become an ALL STAR SUPERSTAR was Gary Payton. One of the best PG’s of all time. Since him, over 20 years ago, #2 overall picks fall into one of two categories…. BOOM (all-star or on the verge of all-stardom) or BUST (average, mid-level bench playing journeymen or below.)

“NBA Filler” so to speak. There’s nothing wrong with that. But in hindsight, would you not have traded that #2 overall pick for something more beneficial?