The fact that we didn't play a GREAT game yesterday and still managed to win the game has got to give these guys an incredible amount of confidence.
Iguodala really struggled -- I know he ended up with 16, 9, and 8, but he could not hit a shot and he had some turnovers in bad spots. His 2 free throws at the end were clutch though (after going 1 for 2 from the line in his previous 2 trips). Prince is going to do a good job on Iguodala this entire series, so we are going to need other guys to step up, just like they did yesterday (Evans, Green, etc).
Dalembert also had a really tough game offensively. He's got a tough matchup too, with Rasheed on him, but I hope to get a little more from Sammy D as the series goes on.
All the pressure is on Detroit now. Game 2 is now a "must win" situation for them. I don't think they want to come into Philly down 0-2 in the series. I love the energy of this young Sixers team, they are so fun to watch. Hopefully we get a similar effort on Wednesday night.
I don't think that Game 2 is a must win for Detroit. Almost any other team yes, but not the Pistons. These guys are experienced, big game players that have a ton of post season games under their belts.
While I agree the Sixers didn't play there best and still won it didn't seem like the Piston believed that they would lose to them either. With 8mins left in the 4th quarter the Pistons had Price and 4 bench player out on the court..... I don't understand what the coach was thinking?!?!? No Piston was in foul trouble- yet they went with their bench for a large chunk of the game.
I am impressed with the energy that the sixers played with and the play of Even but they seem to get man handled on the boards and Detriot looks like the more phyiscal team. It didn't help that the Sixers were awlful from the floor in the first half should 30 some percent.
Don't get me wrong- I am glad the Sixers won but it's only game one of a 7 game series. We don't want to get cocky yet.
I agree that there is a chance to win here, SantanasBack. As has been pointed out on this board quite a few times, the Sixers beat the Pistons twice in the second half on the strength of their fast break game. I think the reason most people continue to believe the Pistons will win this series is because they are playoff veterans who feel like they've been disrespected.
It is true the Sixers didn't play their best game in Game 1. But neither did the Pistons, and that has to be acknowledged. Don't get me wrong, I'm feeling great about this team right now, my concerns about the bad finish have been erased. But the Pistons were missing their fair share of shots as well. I mean, come on, that last shot of Rasheed Wallace's? Nine times out of 10 the guy makes that shot.
I agree with Zero that Game 2 is not a must win for Detroit, BUT the Pistons need to have a better game than Game 1 and not let the Sixers come back and dominate in the fourth quarter again, because if they do the Wachovia Center WILL be rocking with all of the Sixer momentum. If the Pistons screw around after getting a large lead again and lose Game 2, then I would say the Sixers are going to win this series.
The fact that we didn't play a GREAT game yesterday and still managed to win the game Are you trying to say that the Pistons played their best against the Sixers? Rasheed Wallace was the only Pistons player who played decently. Yet they lost by only 4.
In the Pistons defense, they basically choked at every chance they got in the end of the game. But, in all honesty, the Sixers didn't play to well consistently until the 4th. You cant honestly say the Pistons just handed the sixers the game, because the previous 3 quarters are just as important.
Santana, IF the Sixers were to win, I agree with you that it would not be the monumental upset that a lot of folks think it would be. There is a very thin line between experienced and old, and I think the Pistons are teetering on that line. Their core has been around for a while, and I think the Sixers younger, more athletic legs could steal the series. And yes, I would also reference Golden State from just last year.
Nothing about that sentence that you quoted indicated that I thought the Pistons played their best game in Game 1. Of course they didn't play their best game. I'd be an idiot to think that.
I do think that we took their best shot last night in Game 2 (or at least close to their best shot). They couldn't miss a shot and they wouldn't let us get out and run. Our halfcourt offense was pathetic and that was mainly because of the Pistons suffocating defense. Total domination by a better team. The Sixers HAVE TO get out and run more, I don't care how much the Pistons pressure the ball when it's inbounded, the only way we have a chance at winning this series is beating them on the fast break.
Hopefully the Wachovia Center is rocking on Friday night for Game 3.
I can't wait to see how the young sixers team comes out to play at home, tied one one, if they come out believing they can still play with the Piston after stealing one at the Palace or will they still have the last game that they lost still on thier mind. I think every thing will fall in to place for game 3 I believe that this is a must win for the 76ers. If they win they will have all sorts of confidence , if they lose they might just lose the swagger they had after game one. It should be an exciting game can't wait for game 3.