Sixers Use Fast Start And Defensive Hustle To Run Past Wizards 120-89
AP Photo/ H. Rumph Jr
For the first time in nine seasons the Philadelphia 76′ers have opened the regular season 5-0. Last night ‘s performance was no different from the previous four. The home team played unselfish ball – placing seven players in double figures. The Sixers capitalized on 19 turnovers by the Washington Wizards to win the first half of a weekend home and home with a 120-89 trouncing of the visitors.
Matt Slocum/AP
Sixers shooting guard Jodie Meeks shot 10-11 from the floor including 6-7 from beyond the arc as the Sixers won their sixth game in seven tries in a 120-89 laugher over the Washington Wizards.
The Sixers landed the kill shot early as they shot 12-16 from the floor on their way to a 33-point first quarter. For the game the Sixers starters were a +112 compared to the Wizards -108. The visitors were only able to place Nick Young in double-figures with 11 points. Second year point guard John Wall continues to struggle, producing only 7 points 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 turnovers.
Aside from Jodie Meeks production, the Sixers were unselfish as a unit were once again – handing out 27 assists on 47 field goals. The Sixers outshot the Wizards 55.3% to 44.4% including 12 three-pointers. There was balanced scoring throughout the lineup as the team continues to play stifling defense, holding the Wizards to 17 and 18 points in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Andre Iguodala finished with 13 points, 7 boards and 3 steals, Elton Brand continues to get his legs under him, going 6-10 from the floor for 13 points in 28 minutes. Spencer Hawes added another double-double to his season total with 10 and 10. Point guard Jrue Holiday is still looking for his shooting touch, but was still able to chip in 12 points. Lou Williams (19 points) was the offensive spark off the bench as the Sixers reserves outscored the Wizards starters 46-39.
The two teams meet again tonight in Washington to close out the weekend series.
The Sixers look good. My question, as someone who watches them and knows them, is how good are they? How much does their record reflect the weaknesses of their opponents?
Also, how bad are the Wizards?
I think this week’s game against the Knocks gave us a look at how far they have come. Coming back from 17 down at the Garden wasn’t easy. I think that their experience in the playoffs last season took them to a different place, they were in every game in the Heat series except Game 2. A good bench aided by young legs, players that buy in to Doug Collins’ plan and a benefit of this condensed schedule against some teams that haven’t jelled or are aging will help this team.
I have to honestly say I was wrong about the Doug Collins hire. Other than passing on drafting DeMarcus Cousins there’s nothing I can negative about the way he’s brought this team together and guided them to more success that I thought possible in such a short time.
GO SIXERS!!!