Growing Pains

The 19-25 Sixers are nothing short of electrifying but in return as immature as they come. In the month of January the Sixers have had some serious ups, beating Chicago 105-99, losing by one to Orlando in overtime and winning three straight to match their longest streak of the season. This team is growing up before our very eyes, and with that comes growing pains. Last night at the Wells Fargo Center, the Sixers held a 21 point lead in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies; and eleven fourth quarter turnovers later, their three game streak was snapped by a 99-94 loss. Doug Collins coaches one of the most dangerous sub .500 team in recent years, yet the hair left on his head is getting grayer by the second. This team can run, shoot, play defense, get a crowd on their feet, and seemingly stick with any team in the league. Next, they need to get over the temptation of flat out blowing games.

Three keys to late game victory:

1. Where is Spencer Hawes?

Doug Collins starts his 7 foot Center, the right move; but then shoves him to the back of the bench for the whole of every fourth quarter, the wrong move. I understand his philosophy that running Young and Brand in the front court gives the Sixers the opportunity to push the game tempo at will, however, some teams have centers that Elton Brand just can't get guard. Hawes is our biggest body, our surest bet to lower the probability of second chance buckets for the opponent. Those second chance put backs can be the difference in a close game, and Hawes' ability to stretch the floor and pass in the high post also, doesn't hurt on the offensive end. Sometimes down the stretch, you need your starting center.

2. Trust the Half Court

When you have a lead sometimes you need to abandon the running game, and for this team that is a very scary thought. Trust your half court offense Sixers! Sometimes you have to run some clock, use the pick and roll instead of the alley-oop, the mid range jumper instead of the high flying dunk. When leading late in a game the last thing you want is a free for all scramble. When engaged in one, the game is up for grabs. The Sixers need to slow the game down late to allow themselves to dictate the tempo, and ultimately the final results.

3. Defend the Perimeter (And don't foul)

Twice against the Orlando Magic the Sixers fouled a three point shooter, which resulted in two 4-point plays. They lost that game by 2 in OT and both 4-point plays were obviously what did them in, presenting a serious defensive obstacle; maturity. The Sixers have a plethora of quick perimeter defenders, but having them, and having them deliver, are two very different things. Late game defense falls on the guards, in transition, and in defending the perimeter in the half court. When the Sixers lose, it is evident that their guards fail to do so.

The Sixers hold the 7th spot in the conference, and if the playoffs started today they'd be two-steppin' with the power houses of the East. The Sixers are fun, and their knack for being in every game keeps every fan on the edge of their seat. I just wish those fans didn't have to fall off in disappointment every so often, when the team decides to take the last quarter off.

JD