Magic try for fifth in a row at Philly
The Magic have a tough game ahead of them tonight, facing a 76er team that is looking for its 4th win in a row, and whose overall record is 21-20. Of course, Allen Iverson is the key to this Sixer team, and he's having his best year scoringwise, averaging 33.5 pts per game on 45.5% shooting. Chris Webber is having a very good year also, averaging 19.3 pts and 10 rebounds. 2 other players average in double figures, Andre Iguodala (12.0 pts) and Kyle Korver (11.7 pts). Korver is one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league, shooting nearly 45% from the 3 pt line. Here's the key stat: The Sixers are averaging 101.3 pts per game (third in the NBA), but they are allowing 102.2 pts per game defensively, third-most in the league. The Magic, who have been playing well offensively, need to take advantage of the Philly defense and continue to hit the open shot and continue to drive to the basket in an effort to draw fouls. A big FT advantage over Sacramento and Phoenix was a key factor in those Magic wins. According to the Sentinel, Coach Hill said Francis will begin the game guarding Iverson, with Stevenson and Dooling helping out later. Remember last February when Iverson embarrassed the Magic by scoring 60 pts? Jameer Nelson will continue to sit out with his sprained foot. If the Magic continue to play well offensively and continue to stress defense, this is a winnable game against a Phiily team that is playing well.
posted by Mike from Illinois @ 1:45 PM
7 Comments:
At 2:15 PM,
WeRDevos said…
This would be a huge win if they can accomplish it. Philly is 14-7 at home. Only Detroit, Miami & Cleveland have better home records in the East.
Last year Iverson averaged 38.5 points, with 9.5 assists in 4 games against the Magic. This will be the first game against them this year.
At 2:47 PM,
Matt said…
I like our chances against PHI considering our recnet success over high octane offenses which don't defend well.
At 3:06 PM,
OVERWADED said…
I don't believe in 76ers team. Webber needs to retire, Korver reminds me of a young Pat Garity, and they over paid Dalembert. In my opinion they have two names that a on the positive side, which are Iguodala and Iverson. And with Iverson being 31 this year, how much of a future do you think they have? I know that sounds harsh, but they're just in a tough spot. They can't trade Iverson because he's the only reason the 76ers get any love. But if they don't, they'll always stay "average" like they have been for a while now.
So, I'm agreeing with Matt... Everyone knows that the 76ers can beat any given team on any night because of AI. And as much as his flops piss me off, you gotta respect what he does on the basketball court. Iverson is barely pushing 6ft, but he has one of the biggest hearts in the league, and a great game to back it up. I think the Magic should win tonight, but they'll have to frustrate AI enough, so when it the end of the game roles around he isn't "throwing daggers".
At 4:05 PM,
Big Figure said…
Dwight & Tony will be the key tonight,its really not even about philly,we all know allen's gonna take a boat load of shots,so defending the piant is gonna be most important,if the magic can keep allen away from hitting three point plays in the lane,and creating steals in the passing lanes,then we can render him to an outside shooter,and as the point guard in philly and not the two guard under jim o'brien,we all know allen isnt a consistent enough shooter to be an effective point guard that can spread the floor,so defending the piant is key,if we can keep him on the outside,the magic should win!
At 4:19 PM,
Big Figure said…
Last year when he had that 60 point game at home,two things stand out to me: (1) Allen did alot of his damage by baiting jameer into fouling him in the lane that lead to some three point plays,and boy,those do numbers for your point total,with some bad calls factored in by the home refs,b/c he was at the foul line way to much! (2)Last year at this time deshawn wasnt being used by coach davis,we didnt have travis or keyon yet,and tony and dwight playing side by side has turned out to be a force defending the dribble drive with their athletism! I think it will be noticeable if the magic are playing with the same intensity,dwight has to lead the way and dominate chris webber,dunks and put backs three point plays around the rim,all the stuff he does at home,i have no doubt if dwight shows up,the rest of the guys usually follow along,knock on wood!
At 4:53 PM,
WeRDevos said…
Iverson was 17-36 from the floor and 24 of 27 from the line in that 60 point game. Also had 6 assists and 5 steals.
At 10:01 PM,
Matt said…
Another impressive win for the Magic. It's interesting that most of us liked our chances against PHI. Magic made it harder on themselves by missing a lot of free throws.
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