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Garnett, Rondo Lead Celtics To Game 3 Win

May 18th, 2012 by Sam Shipley | No Comments | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

Celtics take Game 3

The Sixers came into Game 3 with a golden opportunity, they had a chance to take a 2-1 lead on the Boston Celtics in the series. That wasn’t the case last night. Boston came out firing last night as they shot 52% from the field, and they never let up. Kevin Garnett had 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Rajon Rondo had 23 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds. Paul Pierce also chipped in with 24 points as the Celtics won 107-91.

The first quarter was good and bad for the Sixers. They won the first quarter 33-28, and they really were shooting the ball very well. However, all of their scoring might have been a bad thing since it seemed that they were expecting a shootout instead of playing any kind of defense. They failed to get into transition last night, while Boston seemed to be the team that was constantly pushing the basketball up the floor. The Sixers looked completely flat after that 1st period once Boston began to make a run. They just seemed to give up on both sides of the ball, as Boston outscored Philly by 28 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

The lack of defense really showed, every shot seemed to fall for the Celtics because they had the Sixers scrambling on defense and all of thier looks seemed to be clean. From late in the 1st quarter through most of the 3rd quarter the Celtics shot a insane 26-34 from the field, which is good for 74% over a 2 quarter period. If you allow a team to shoot like that, in your own building none the less, then yes you deserve to lose the game.

Kevin Garnett constantly had open jump-shots from about 18 feet which has been his money shot his entire career. He made that shot consistently last night, because of the inability of Spencer Hawes and Elton Brand to rotate back on the same exact play they ran all game long for Garnett. The only player who seems to have a answer for Garnett is rookie Lavoy Allen. Garnett shoots 71% when Lavoy is not on him, but just 47% when Lavoy is on him.

Thaddeus Young was the lone bright spot for the Sixers last night. He had 22 points and 5 rebounds, and was really the only Sixer that seemed to be playing with any energy. The Sixers failed to get in transition and allowed the Celtics to set up their half court defense. When a team has a half court defense like the Celtics you need a true post player or go to scorer to be able to break it, and the Sixers do not have either one. That showed by constant jump-shots that were contested, and the combination of Evan Turner, Lou Williams, Spencer Hawes, and Elton Brand shot 8-34 (24%) from the field.

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NHL Trade Rumors: Jagr Will Test Free Agency; Flyers Explore Options

May 16th, 2012 by Manayunk Mike | No Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

Now that the Flyers have been eliminated from the playoffs, the rumors are once again beginning to swirl.

According to a few sources of mine – one in particular that always seems to be solid – Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr will NOT return to Philadelphia. While I’ve heard a few different accounts as to why, it mainly seems to be that the Flyers don’t see him as a top line guy. His play during the playoffs likely had a lot to do with it, as he was nearly invisible on the ice at times. Jagr wants top-line minutes, which he probably won’t see again even if he does decide to return. One source told me that the Flyers want to go “in another direction” next season, while another source of mine says that the Flyers want a more “long-term solution” in regards to their top line.

Letting Jagr walk will be tough to swallow, but it’s a good business decision. Jagr likely only has another 2-3 years in him, and the Flyers have already begun shedding their older guys. By not signing Jagr, the Flyers can now focus on re-signing forward Jake Voracek, who is due for a well-deserved raise. This gives the Flyers the chance to lock up a talented young forward for years to come. That’s fine in my books.

So, who replaces Jagr on the top line?

Well, there are a number of possibilities at this point, and while the Flyers don’t have a ton of cap room, they will have enough to make a few moves. A source of mine close to the Rick Nash situation during the trade deadline recently told me that the Flyers “have kept their options open with CBJ, but Howson remains firm on his return”. What exactly that return may be, is unknown at this point.

Another possibility is Calgary’s Jerome Iginla. A trusted source told me that the Flyers will “re-visit their interest” in Iginla this year. He then went on to say the Flyers may make an offer that, if made, “Calgary would be crazy to refuse”. Not surprising to hear Iginla is of interest to the Flyers. They’ve always had a strong interest in him and this may be the year they make the move.

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Chris Bosh Out Indefinitely, Likely Out For Playoffs

May 15th, 2012 by Sam Shipley | No Comments | Filed in Basketball, General, Sports

Bosh Out!

After an MRI this morning, results showed that Chris Bosh has suffered a moderate abdominal strain and is out indefinitely. The injury came during the first half of the Heat’s 95-86 Game 1 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Bosh went up for a dunk and came down in serious pain, and was later helped off the court into the locker room. The good news for Bosh is that the results also showed that he will not need surgery.

The real concern now in Miami is without Bosh, just how far can the Heat go? The Heat were tested yesterday by a very good Indiana team who have two very good big men in Roy Hibbert and David West. Without Bosh, the Heat have no true big man who can play down low for an entire game and rebound the basketball or make shots on the post consistently. Without having a big man who can draw attention, much like the Sixers, the Pacers will be able to play a defense that is designed to keep LeBron and Wade on the perimeter a lot more. Going into this series I believed that Roy Hibbert was the x-factor, and yesterday he was. He played great and now without Bosh he will have more opportunities to do so. If it wasn’t for Granger and Paul George’s miserable shooting the Pacers would have won that game yesterday.

Now, do I think the Heat can beat the Pacers without Bosh? Yes. Will it be easy? No. Can the Pacers upset the Heat? Without a doubt. However, I don’t think we see the Heat lose this series but just how far can they go without Chris Bosh? Can they beat the likes of a Boston Celtics in a 7 game series, or the Lakers with Bynum/Gasol/Kobe, the Thunder, the Spurs? One thing these teams all have in common are good or great Point Guards and they all have at least one true big man who can be a game changer in the post. I just don’t think that the Heat can beat those teams in a 7 game series, that is if they get out of this round.

Prediction: Heat lose in NBA Finals.

 

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Keys To Game 2: Sixers vs. Celtics

May 15th, 2012 by Sam Shipley | No Comments | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

Game 1 proved to be a tough game for the Sixers. They had Boston right where they wanted them as they jumped out to an early lead and took the crowd out of the game. However, Boston’s leadership and veterans proved to be to much for the young Sixers. Coming into Game 1 when Boston trailed by 13 or more this season they were 1-22, however they made that 2-22 on Saturday.

The keys to Game 2 remain the same to be honest.

Transition Offense: The Sixers did a great job getting out and running the floor early in Game 1 which helped the Sixers get off to a nice start. However, as the game went on they began to settle into a half court offense and settled for long jump shots which allowed Boston to get back into the game. Tonight, they will need to keep the pressure on the Celtics all game. The Sixers are at their best when they get out and run, and the Celtics are surely at their worst so it makes sense for the Sixers to continue to push the basketball. I think if they Sixers get about 25 fast break points tonight they win this game. They scored just 13 fast break points the other night and lost by 1, so if they can make it easier on themselves and get a few more easy buckets this game won’t be as difficult.

Rebounding: The rebounding battle was actually a big improvement from the Chicago series. The Sixers were only out rebounded by four, compared to the 15-25 rebound differential they faced against the Bulls. If they continue to rebound the same way, it will really give opportunities to get out and run. I would like to see Lavoy Allen get some more minutes tonight, he is very physical down low and can really help the Sixers grab some of those 50-50 balls.

Turnovers: Turnovers were actually pretty good for the Sixers on Saturday, as they finished right on their season average at 11. They forced Boston to commit just 13, so that is the area I would like to see improved. If the Sixers can force the Celtics to commit about 16-18 turnovers I think that will help the Sixers greatly by being able to get easy baskets and also frustrate Boston on the offensive end.

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Series Preview: Sixers vs. Celtics

May 13th, 2012 by Sam Shipley | 1 Comment | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

Here We Go!

The Sixers and Celtics will square off in an Eastern Conference Semifinal match-up after both teams won their first series 4-2, respectively. The Sixers downed the Chicago Bulls, while the Celtics knocked off the Atlanta Hawks. The two teams met 3 times this season, as the Sixers went 2-1 against their rival. Boston, however, won the last meeting of the season.

Key Match-up: Andre Iguodala vs. Paul Pierce.

Much like last series, Andre Iguodala is the key in this series. He will need to bring it on both sides of the floor, especially when it comes to defense. Paul Pierce is the Celtics best offensive player, and Andre will need to play the same type of defense he played on Luol Deng. He will need to contest every shot, make Pierce feel uncomfortable, and to not allow Pierce to get to his spots on the floor. When it comes to offense, I would like to see Iggy’s points come from attacking the basket, in transition, and shooting 3′s when he is open. Andre will also need to continue to drive, draw the defense, and kick out to the open players on the wings to create easy shots for the other players. Pierce has been a Sixer killer his whole career, and he knows how to be a huge impact come playoff time. If Andre can bring his “A game” he will give the Sixers a better chance to pull off yet another upset. If not, well, this could be a rather long series for the Sixers.

X-Factor: Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is coming off a fenominal series against the Bulls where he averaged 18.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 4.8 apg. He was let off the hook, however, by only having to face former MVP Derrick Rose one time. This series he will be facing another top 5 Point Guard in Rajon Rondo. Rondo is arguably the best all around Point Guard in the NBA as he is a triple double threat every single night. Rondo is also a defensive specialist, he averaged 1.8 spg this season and averages 1.9 for his career. He has very quick hands, and is also one of the fastest players in the NBA. Jrue Holiday will need to take care of the basketball, and will also need to continue to play great defense like he did against Chicago. Holiday will also need to be very efficent shooting the ball, and is the key to not letting Boston get set up on defense. If he is able to attack the basket and constantly push the ball up the floor, Boston will struggle mightly because of their age and they struggle against teams who get in transistion often.

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Andre Iguodala Leads Sixers To First Series Win Since 2003

May 12th, 2012 by Sam Shipley | 2 Comments | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

Sixers Win! Sixers Win!

Andre Iguodala stepped up to the free throw line with 2.2 seconds left and knocked down the 2 biggest free throw’s of his career. A C.J. Watson desperation 3 pointer went off the back rim, and that was it. The Sixers won their first playoff series since 2003, and won their first series at home since 2001.

Iguodala and Evan Turner jumped on the scorers table and began to celebrate with the crowd, as the curse of being “one and done” was no more. After 8 seasons of agony, pain, struggle, the Sixers finally were able to have a celebration of their own and were able to do it in front of their home crowd.

Iguodala’s two free throws gave the Sixers a 79-78 win and a 4-2 win in the series, as the Sixers became just the fifth 8th seed  in NBA history to upset a #1 seed. Ever since signing his $80 million dollar contract, Andre Iguodala hasn’t been exactly what you would call a “fan favorite”. He has never averaged 20 ppg in his career, he made the all-star game just 1 time in his career, but on this night during his 2 free throw attempts all of the hatred toward Iguodala was put on hold. This was his night, his moment, and now Andre himself has finally delivered this city a first round playoff win for the first time in his career.

Iguodala finished Game 6 with 20 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds on 7-12 shooting, by far his best game of the series. Andre battled through that Achillies injury, and delivered the type of game that Sixers fans want to see every night from him.

Holiday and Williams each had 14 for the Sixers, as Spencer Hawes had 8 points and snagged 10 rebounds. He was the only Sixer that had somewhat of a good night on the glass, as Chicago out rebounded the Sixers 56-33.

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Was it Werth It?

May 11th, 2012 by Craig C. | No Comments | Filed in Baseball, General, Phillies

Cole Hamels plunking Bryce Harper might have sent a message and to be honest, I have no problems with what happened. My question is why did he tell the media? He knew why is threw at Harper. The coaching staff probably told him to throw at Harper. Phillies fans might have suspected that he threw at Harper. Let’s leave it at that. A 5 game suspension is not going to be that big of a deal as he will not miss a turn but look at all the other hoopla this has created.

This is not helping the Phillies win games. When Manuel gets ejected, sometimes it creates a new found energy and the team thrives off of it but so far it has created a media frenzy, a couple of fines and now a fued with the Nationals. Come on, do you think a fued with the Nationals is that exciting? If the fact that the team is only 2 hours away and our long lost friend Jayson Werth left did not create a huge rivarly, this will probably not.

Hamels is smart enough to know that he should not have said anything. The reprecussions of this could have been much worse. Going further, I think the Phillies needs should be fixing problems on their team (offense, bullpen,) instead of worrying about “Nattitudes” or about a possible phenom getting welcomed into the big leagues. Maybe Manuel is starting to lose control of this team? That’s another story though.

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