Now that the luster has worn off from Sunday’s dramatic Game 4 victory it’s time for the 76ers to get back to business tonight. Down three games to one and still facing elimination the Sixers know that they have to take this momentum into Game 5 and win one on the road. They have played well in different facets of the game throughout this series but it all has to come together tonight.
Let’s look at what needs to be done at both ends of the floor:
Rebound, Rebound and Rebound – It’s been the difference in this series and limit the Heat’s second-chance opportunities.
Finish at the rim – This may sound crazy, but if the dunk is there – take it. LeBron James has mastered tracking down layups from behind – most of the time starting a fast break in the other direction
Ride Evan Turner – I still hear the knocks on this kid, but his confidence is high right now and that cannot be ignored.
Play strong in the middle periods – The Sixers have played their worst ball in the second and third quarters, leaving them to play catch
up in the fourth.
Survive the early Heat run and the crowd – Miami will try to deliver the deathblow early, if the Sixers can survive the run and keep the crowd subdued it will pay off later. Remember this is not a great team at home.
Continue to start fast and finish strong – Nothing builds confidence like a fast start and the Sixers have done it throughout the series – keep it up. It’s obvious that the Heat have defensive lapses late (see Sunday).
More physical play – Spencer Hawes, Elton Brand and Tony Battie have tightened up the driving lanes – now it’s time to shut them down.
Keep the pressure on Chris Bosh – Bosh has struggled since Game 2, as long as he’s a pedestrian the Sixers chances improve.
Limit the outside shooting – The Sixers shot themselves out of Games 1 and 3. Drive to the hole and crash the offensive glass.
Let Lou do what he does – When Lou Williams gets on rolls like this, he’s hard to stop feed him the ball until he has muscle failure – in
both arms.
I’m not overly concerned about Thaddeus Young in large part because of his defensive assignment – something had to give in that regard. I am concerned about Jodie Meeks’ and where/when can they get him in space.
Coach Doug Collins did a masterful job on Sunday and I believe that he’ll have this team ready tonight.
Talk to you after Game Five and I’ll help you get ready Game 6 :- )
Good points Ron, the sixers have a tough task ahead of them. They have to do all the things you mentioned in a game in miami with all the pressure on them. I love my sixers but I feel they could get all that done only if they were at home but there playing in miami in a win or go home game, the heat will most likely win this one sending the sixers home… it was good they won 1 game though…
Yeah the deck is stacked heavy against them.
They do play big when there backs are against the wall so they may come out with a very strong effort