Friday, February 18, 2011
Posted: 10:35 a.m.
By Dei Lynam
CSNPhilly.com
LOS ANGELESThe Sixers were certainly feeling good about themselves after beating the Rockets on the road 114-105, avoiding back-to-back losses heading into the All-Star Break. As a matter of fact, the Sixers have not lost consecutive games since Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, when they fell to Orlando and Charlotte on the road.
When the Sixers get back to work with a Monday night practice they will have 26 games to go. Here are five things to watch, in no particular order, as the Sixers close out the regular season.
1. Evan Turner's development
Evan Turner should continue to develop. Way back when, assistant coach Quin Snyder said, this kid is a basketball player. Now, its starting to show. Turners confidence is at a season-high and it is reflected in his play. He has earned a spot in Doug Collins regular rotation and he will stay there. He defends. He sees the floor and he has spunk. His personality is really starting to blossom. His coach likes to razz him as do his teammates, both signs that the kid is fitting in. And his statistics are solid. His shooting percentage is up from 40 on the year to 44 percent over the last ten games.
2. Sixth Man
Lou Williams is a contender for the sixth man of the year, but his competition is not just from other teams. Thaddeus Young gives him a good run for his money on this roster. Williams averages 14 points, shooting 41 percent from the floor. Young averages 12 points and five rebounds, shooting 54 percent from the floor, but Williams has him beat at the foul Line. Williams gets to the line more then any reserve in the league. He has attempted 261 free throws. Andre Iguodala is second on the team with 212.
3. Chasing the Big Apple
Chasing New York in the standings will provide a unique story line just because it has been awhile since the two teams have been decent, let alone affecting each others playoff success. New York is two games above .500. The Sixers are two games below. The Sixers are 7-3 in their last ten games, New York: 5-5. The Sixers have played three more road games, though New York has won three more home contests.
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4. Collins, the motivator
Collins challenged his team when they embarked on an eight-game road swing over the Christmas holiday. They not only accepted the challenge, but got better, winning three of the eight games. He challenged his team heading into February when they had a difficult nine game stretch. His team won six. Collins has said that games 40-60 are the most challenging, but 60-80 are engaging because it is the home stretch. What will his motivational speeches include as his team pursues postseason play?
5. Playoffs
The postseason will include the Sixers. That is not official, but it is a certainty. A roster full of young men will get invaluable experience and the front office will have an opportunity to see how far or close they are to the elite in their conference.
Brace yourself. The final 26 will be telling and fun.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com
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