<div align="center"> <font color=""Blue"">Washington Wizards(29-27)</font> at <font color=""Red"">Philadelphia 76ers(29-28)</font></div> <div align="center">Friday, March 3rd, 2006 Wachovia Center, Philadelphia 7:30 ET, ComcastSportsNet(Away) - ComcastSportsNet(Home) National TV - ESPN</div> <div align="center"></div> [div=50%] <div align="center"><font color="red"> <font size="1">(K. Ollie, A. Iverson, A. Iguodala, C. Webber, S. Dalembert)</font></font></div> <font size="1">Leading Scorer: Allen Iverson- 33.2 PPG Leading Rebounder: Chris Webber- 9.90 Assist Man: Allen Iverson- 7.4 APG The 'X' Factor: Andre Iguodala (12.1PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.7 APG)</font> <font size="3">Backcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kevin_ollie.jpg[/imgl]<font color="red">Kevin Ollie</font> PPG: 2.3, RPG: 1.3, APG: 1.2 Perhaps Kevin Ollie at the point guard is the solution to the Sixers' defensive miseries. The Sixers needed another starting line-up change as John Salmons didn't exactly work out when he was moved to replace Korver's spot. Ollie's defense and handle has helped the Sixers to go on a 4-1 run. He will need to shut Arenas down in order for the Sixers to have a chance against this Wizards team. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/allen_iverson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="red">Allen Iverson</font> PPG: 33.2, APG: 7.2, SPG: 1.9 Despite not being invited to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Allen Iverson drilled the Rockets with 40 points and 10 assists on Wednesday. His 4th quarter performance was easily one of the best of the season. He will have to continue to pass the ball to KK and Iggy more in order to emphasis and continue this new "team play" the Sixers have just recently discovered. </font> <font size="3">Frontcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/andre_iguodala.jpg[/imgl]<font color="red">Andre Iguodala</font> PPG: 12.1, RPG: 5.7, APG: 2.7 After several scoring outbursts, Andre scored only 6 points on 2 of 3 shooting against the Rockets. Although half of it is AI and C-Webb's fault for taking so many shots, Iggy must commit to developing into a better offensive player to help the Sixers' inconsistent offense. On the defensive end, he will have to contain Caron Butler to at least less than 15 points. Expect Iggy to come out with the aggresiveness he did for the first 3 or 4 games after the break.</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/samuel_dalembert.jpg[/imgl]<font color="red">Sameul Dalembert</font> PPG: 9.0, RPG: 9.7, BPG: 3.24 The Sixers have sorely missed Sammy's inside presence the past few games. They were murdered on the glass on both ends against the Bucks 42-28. Against the Bulls, they were outrebounded 48-36. The Mavs outrebounded them 45-28. The Sixers will not be able to defeat the better teams in the NBA if they continue to get outrebounded by 20 every night unless Sammy is back and ready to rebound and defend. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_webber.jpg[/imgl]<font color="red">Chris Webber</font> PPG: 19.6, RPG: 9.7, APG: 3.1 Chris Webber will have to continue his usual 20 and 10 performances for the Sixers to beat this Wizards team that has taken two badly needed victories from the Sixers. </font> [/div] <div align="center"><font color="blue"> <font size="1">(G. Areans, J. Jeffries, C. Butler, A. Jamison, B. Haywood)</font></font></div> <font size="1">Leading Scorer: Gilbert Areans - 28.8 PPG Leading Rebounder: Antawn Jamison - 9.6 RPG Assist Man: Gilbert Areans - 5.9 APG The 'X' Factor: Gilbert Areans(28.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.9 APG)</font> <font size="3">Backcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/gilbert_arenas.jpg[/imgl]<font color="blue">Gilbert Arenas</font> PPG: 28.8, RPG: 3.6, APG: 5.9 Last time these two teams met, Allen Iverson won the battle of the all-star guards. Arenas shot just 6 of 15, but don't expect that to happen again. He will look to pop the threes and take it to the hole. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jared_jeffries.jpg[/imgl]<font color="blue">Jared Jeffries</font> PPG: 5.7, RPG: 4.7, APG: 1.9 Jared Jeffries provided possibly the most exciting and energetic play in the last two meetings. On a fast break, Allen Iverson goes for a layup and Jeffries comes out of nowhere to swat it out of bounds, giving the Wizards even more momentum in their third quarter run . </font> <font size="3">Frontcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/caron_butler.jpg[/imgl]<font color="blue">Caron Butler</font> PPG: 16.2, RPG: 5.8, APG: 2.4 Caron Butler can drive to the hole and shoot the trigger as well as anybody in the league. He also controled the boards last time the teams met(9). Expect him to see a more prepared and aggresive Iguodala on both ends of the floor tonight. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brendan_haywood.jpg[/imgl]<font color="blue">Brendan Haywood</font> - PPG: 8.2, RPG: 6.3, BPG: 1.48 With Samuel Dalembert back, the Sixers should be more aggresive on the boards. It will be Haywood's job to keep Sammy off the glass. He will have to control the paint like he did the last meeting(4 blocks).</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/antawn_jamison.jpg[/imgl]<font color="black">Antawn Jamison</font> PPG: 19.7, RPG: 9.6, APG: 2.1 In these two teams last meeting, Antawn Jamison completely murdered the Sixers from beyond the arc. However, he is a guy that can explode anyday. Prime example is when he dropped 51 in 2 consecutive games in 2000. </font> <font size="3">Keys to the Game</font> <font color="red">Defense, Defense, Defense</font> - Defense is the thing that the Sixers have struggled with the entire season. With Kevin Ollie in the line up, the defense has improved a little. However, when you're going against a team that has 3 players that can score 25+ points any given day, your defense will have to tighten up. Last game the Sixers did a good job in holding the Wizards to only 40 percent shooting, but they had too many turnovers. <font color="red">Share the Ball</font> - I believe this has been the theme of the year for the Sixers. Iverson is not going to score 40 points every game. Andre Iguodala and Kyle Korver will have to step up and look for their shots. On the other hand, Chris Webber and Allen Iverson realize there are 5 guys on the court at once, not just them 2. [*] The Sixers are coming off a very well-earned victory over the Rockets. AI have been sizzling as of lately. They have lost to the Wizards the past two times, they should have some fire for this game. The Sixers take this in a close one. Sixers: 108 , Wizards 101 Note: Change of time to 7:30 ET
We need to win this game. If we beat both the Wizards and the Pacers, we would move up to the 5th seed for the time being. The next two games are crucial.
This will be a really good game. In their first matchup, Arenas out did Iverson and the Wizards got the W. In the second matchup, Iverson out did Arenas and the Wiz still won. I just don't see the Sixers winning this one. As of late, the Wizards have been playing awesome team ball, and I look for it to continue.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PhillysAnswer:</div><div class="quote_post">forget the 5th seed we need to be going after the Atlantic we are only 2 games out</div> Ultimately that is our goal, but it is better to be higher than lower, no matter what seed you are...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BigMo763:</div><div class="quote_post">Ultimately that is our goal, but it is better to be higher than lower, no matter what seed you are...</div> exactly. i dont think the winning the atlantic is too far fetched. the only team that stands in our way is the nets. raptors are too young, boston is too young, and the knicks.........well, what can i say about them. if francis and marbury bond, then i guess they will be dangerous, but i doubt it will happen. the only reason the nets are so good is because of kidd, jefferson, and carter. they dont have much depth, and if one of them goes down, they will be extremely vulnerable. if guys like iggy, salmons, and korver step up, and we play better defense, then i think this team will be a force to be reckoned with.
So far the 76ers are playing decent, AI and C Webb are delivering and overall the 76ers are playing solid team ball. They need to play better on the defensive end, they are letting the Wizards stay in the game even though they have been outplaying them. By the way nice preview, iversonfan.
The 76ers are playing pretty well since the all star break no surprise considering we usually did the same thing under Larry Brown. Since Mo was part of that staff for a while it’s only fitting we would do the same under him. The man seems to have been hit with a stroke of inspiration, and the team is playing incredible. The Wizards are a pretty good team if we pull out this win tonight I will be very impressed.
Everything I said the Sixers needed to emphasis on they did, and they won. =D Great team defense in the last few mintues of the game. Kevin Ollie containing Gilbert Arenas. What a great game for AI and C-Webb. I also like how AI set up his teamates early on and then taking over after.
great win by the sixers. for a moment there, it looked like the wizards were going to make a run. it was an up and down game for the sixers, at times they had a double digit lead, then it got cut real close, then they had another big lead, then it was close again. i just dont know why they never win a "pretty" game. there wins are usually all "ugly". but a win is a win, and im glad. this team looks like its finally heading in the right direction. btw, at the end, anyone notice that stephen hunter was happy? lol
It was a very nice win with big games from Allen, Chris and 'Dre, but it shouldn't have been that close. The Wizards pounded us on the glass 59 to 41, and were able to stay close because of it. We are lucky that we won this game... yes, you read that right. The Wizards had their chances in the last few minutes, but the ball just didn't bounce their way. We are very, very fortunate to have won that game. We are currently sitting in the sixth seed, and are 1/2 game ahead of Washington. Another big game on Sunday against the Pacers. If we win that game, we'll be in the fifth seed, as we are only 1/2 game behind Indiana at this point.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Did anybody see AI's crazy cross over on Daniels?</div> OWNDED! Too bad Iverson fell when Daniels drove... Anyways, nice game but too bad we gave up so much of the lead. Philadelphia really needs to learn how to play defense the entire game and not let teams get back into games. I agree with Big Mo, this was seriously a lucky one we had. We made a lot of mistakes, couldn't rebound, and didn't hold the Wizards down until late into the game- against elite teams, that simply doesn't fly. Still, I'll take any win and this narrows the gap between us and the Nets. Keep it up! Great job by Ollie tonight (Arenas still got to the rim at will, but hey at least he contained him) as well as Iverson and Webber.
Even though it wasn't the prettiest of wins, I liked the way that the 76ers shared the ball. Since after the all star break, the 76ers are begining to come together as a team. Webber, and AI are also doing a solid job at leading this team. Defense is still an issue, but hopefully they'll begin to play together, players are able to drive to easily. Althought the 76ers are 5-1 since the all star break, Mo needs to challenge everyone defensively. Although the 76ers win wasn't the best, they controled a lot of the game, and at the end the Wizards had to scrap their way back in the game. The 76ers on the hand were scoring at will, tacky fouls on the other hand, was keeping the Wizards in the game. In my opinion at the end of the game the 76ers made plays at the end, while the Wizards could not. C-Webb looked solid, he had a couple of careless turnovers, but he definitely made some big plays, he also had a great overall game. AI was amazing. He was torching the Wizards, and dropped 40 and 10+ asists for the second consecutive game. Dre also chipped in, althought he was kind of quiet in the 2nd half. I am also not mad at S. Hunter. He was fighting on the offensive glass, and made the scrap plays for the 76ers. Unlike our other center, he actually looks like he has some coordination out there in the low post. Kevin Ollie was nice, creating plays, hitting the open midrange J, and playing solid defense. Does that sound like someone who used to run point for the Sixers?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">Antonio Daniels, you just got PWNED. That was a nasty crossover.</div> sure was. im glad it was on national tv. lol. oh damn! i found an article: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As good a night as Allen Iverson had on Friday, Antonio Daniels' evening was just as bad. Iverson dropped 47 points and 12 dimes on the Wizards ? his second straight 40/10 game ? and Daniels seemed to be on the receiving end of most of it. In the third quarter, Daniels was bringing the ball up and tried a lazy cross-court pass. Somehow he didn't see A.I. standing right at half court; next thing you know, A.I. is hanging on the rim. In the fourth, Iverson just abused A.D. on a crossover, making Daniels fall twice on the same move. A couple guys on the Sixers bench were so hyped, they actually ran onto the court while the play was still live. Later in the fourth, we caught Antawn Jamison yelling "Leave it alone and play ball!" at Daniels after A.D. argued a no-call. ? </div> link: http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5379694
