The Sixers Passed Their First Test Against The Magic, Now For The Big Boys

This is just the start of where we are going to find out what this Sixers team is made of. They are one for one so far. Next up is the Eastern Conference bests right now the Bulls. They are followed by Miami, Atlanta, Lakers, Spurs and the Clippers. You could call that “Murderous row”.

Though it seems as if Orlando is about to blow up any minute now especially with the whole Howard situation. So that does take some luster out of the 74-69 win over the Magic though this win was more about heart than anything. On a night where the Sixers could not get out and run as they usually are able too. They really did not shot the ball well either at 37% clip though they did have 22 assists on 30 made field goals.

The Sixers just out defended and out hustled the Magic. The Sixers have held their opponents to under 40% from the floor 8 times this year so far. The one thing this team can count on is their defense every night. The Sixers are ranked number one right now in defense. Here are some of things that Me liked and Me not liked….

Me like…

The Sixers held the Magic just to 33% from the floor. Magic scored just 9 points in the third quarter. The Sixers twice held the Magic to 5 plus minutes with out a field. They just had more heart and hustle then the Magic.

Elton Brand – He was every where on the defensive end. Going against Howard one on one at times and the way he guarded the rim. He ended up having 8 points and 7 rebounds but had 4 blocks and 2 steals to go with them.

Tony Battie – He gave what ever he has left in those knees and actually did a solid job of defending Howard and at times forcing Howard into a difficult shot. He finished with 8 points and 9 rebounds in 17 minutes.

Andre Iguodala – He had another solid floor game. He basically ran the offense for the Sixers. Doug loves to use him at point forward. He finished with 14 points 11 rebounds and 6 assists.

Me not like…

Orlando was able to slow down the Sixers open court game for most of the night and made them play a half court game in which they struggled. As of right now the Sixers still struggle in a half court set. They held the Sixers to 37% from the floor.

Dwight Howard – Even though he struggled from the floor 6-17 he still was a factor in the middle. Every time the Sixers drove the lane he force them to a tough shot or had them thinking in the back of their minds that he was right there. Howard had 17 points 11 rebounds and 2 block shots.

Ryan Anderson – He looks like he wants to get paid. He will be a free agent after this season. He had 14 points and 20 rebounds. Ryan, who was more known for his three point shooting has really improved his game. He has become a very solid player.

Orlando seems like a ticking time bomb and it is about to go BOOM because of Howard. For some reason I really do not know why that kind of stuff bothers me when you see teams starting to quit. It just hurts the sport. I know I should not care but I do. That’s just me.

Man, I am pumped up about this up coming stretch. Check out this cool article that David Aldridge wrote about the Sixers. Here is the recap and box score of the game.