Iguodala Trade Carousel

In an earlier story, I addressed what should be on the Sixers Offseason To Do List. One of the tasks suggested: trade Andre Iguodala. Philadelphia must get what they can for him, and this Offseason is the year to do that.


I attempted to take the time to compile some trade partners for the Sixers, as well as possible trades.


Sixers trade Andre Iguodala to Golden State Warriors for PF David Lee and SF Dorell Wright. 


A pretty decent trade for both sides. In return for Iguodala, the Sixers acquire a much needed big man, as well as a SF replacement. Lee averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, numbers that are much needed for the Sixers to be successful. Philadelphia is a team that loves to get out and run the floor, and Lee can absolutely do that. Although being somewhat injury prone in his first few pro seasons, Lee played 81 regular season games from 07-11. 


Dorell Wright would be a downgrade from Iguodala, but that is the price that must be paid to acquire a big man. Wright had a pretty modest season averaging a little over 10 points a game, but put up 16 in 2010-11. The 7 year vet also can knock down the 3 ball, scoring 37% throughout his career, in comparison to Iguodala's 33%. For the Sixers to be successful in 2013, they need to cut down on their turnovers. Iguodala averaged about 2 turnovers a night, while Wright had .87. Philadelphia will be losing a shut down defender in Iguodala, but the possibility of acquiring Wright with Lee is too good to pass up.


For Golden State, the deal would make sense as well. They acquired Andrew Bogut at the trade deadline, which would make it easier for the Warriors to part with Lee. With Iguodala, you now have a second option for Stephen Curry, who lost his PIC in Monta Ellis. Golden State needs a guy who can attack the basket, and Iguodala is the man for the job. The Warriors could easily find a replacement for Lee through the draft by taking Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger at Pick 7.


Sixers trade Andre Iguodala to Phoenix Suns For C Marcin Gortat and SF Jared Dudley.


This deal helps the Sixers fill a massive hole at Center. The 28 year old Gortat averaged 15 points along with 10 rebounds a night. 2011 was truly a breakout season for Gortat, as he played very strongly for a poor Phoenix Suns team. Spencer Hawes was a complete mess all season, and really struggled to assert himself under the basket. With the addition of Gortat, they immediately upgrade the position. Jared Dudley was another one of the few bright spots for the Suns, averaging close to 13 points a game. Dudley is a career 40.9% 3 point shooter, and the Sixers really lacked in that area during the Playoffs. The 26 year old is a more consistent shot than Iguodala, scoring 48.5% of the time. In his last three seasons, Jared Dudley has only missed 1 game, a very good sign after an injury prone first few years of his career. 


Phoenix could be willing to part with Gortat, as they also have Centers Channing Frye and Robin Lopez. By bringing in Iguodala, they are getting an All-Star player who should be a better option at the SF position than Dudley. Furthermore, Steve Nash has vocalized his disappointment with the Suns franchise, and is willing to leave if they do not make some serious changes. If Phoenix trades for Andre Iguodala, that's a good start to convincing Nash to return.


Sixers trade Andre Iguodala and 2nd Round Pick (45th Overall) to Portland Trailblazers for G Wesley Matthews, 1st Round Pick (6th Overall).


In this trade, the Sixers would be solving their two guard woes. With Lou Williams almost inevitably on his way out of Philadelphia, Matthews would make a fantastic SG. The 25 year old average close to 14 points a game with the Trailblazers. Wesley Matthews can move extremely well without the ball, and loves to knock down the baseline shot. He also gets out extremely well in transition, and isn't afraid to attack the net. Although Matthews would be a fantastic addition, the true prize to this trade would be the 6th overall pick. Several highly touted prospects could be there around that pick, but UCONN Center Andre Drummond should be the target. As only a Freshman, Drummond averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds, and dominated Big East competition. His upside is remarkable, and Philadelphia has a definite need at the Center position.


For Portland, it may be easier to part with the 6th pick, considering they also have the 11th overall pick. Also, the Trailblazers SF Nic Batum is a Restricted Free Agent, but could very well be snatched away. Portland would be taking a lot back in salary with Iguodala, but have plenty of room to do so. If Batum did return to the Trailblazers, he could easily be moved to SG, while Iguodala takes over at starting SF. The threesome of Batum, Iguodala, and PF Lamarcus Aldridge would be pretty formidable for Western Conference teams. 


Let me hear your trades in the comment section. 

The NBA Draft Lottery: Rigged For Everyone!

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

I feel like this is Kindergarten all over again. Everyone always had the teacher who had a really corny smile and went around telling everyone "YOU ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE IN YOUR OWN WAY!". But then, she chooses the kid sitting next to you to be line leader for that day, which you of course you spend the rest of your day crying in the corner about. Just me? Okay, moving on. 


If that scenario made no sense to you, I'll try and make sense of it for you.


Come draft lottery day, everyone loves to throw out their conspiracy theory, all of which are unique and special in their own way. 


If Brooklyn wins, it's because it will help keep Deron Williams with the team. If the Kings win, it will be to keep the Maloof brothers in Sacramento. If the Cavaliers won, it would be because they're looking out for Dan Gilbert for losing LeBron James. If the Wizards won, it would be to pair up two Kentucky alums for a sweet alley-oop tag team. And if the Bobcats won, it would be to reward Michael Jordan for sticking around as the Owner of the worst team in American sports. 


But the winner (and holder of the best conspiracy) would be the New Orleans Hornets, it is because they're a struggling team that has been poorly managed by David Stern and the NBA. 


It does not matter who wins the Lottery, because people have their own assumptions as to how they got there. Fans are ready to point fingers at whoever comes out on top, and curse David Stern's name for all of eternity. 


If it was another league of the "Big 4", practically all conspiracies would be completely dismissed. However, David Stern has allowed talk of this to go on, and with good reason. Tim Donaghy brought the league to its knees in 2005 when he admitted to point shaving, as well as some very questionable playoff series/games. 


What makes the thoughts of conspiracy run so rampant is because of large media outlets like Yahoo! Sports or Chris Broussard of ESPN allow these rumors to spread.


If you ask me, the idea of a draft lottery is complete genius. Not since Orlando in 2004 has a team with the worst record in the NBA won the lottery. That stat alone speaks volumes. 


It should eliminate the "tank for the top pick" concept, because it has been proven to not work in that teams favor. Quite frankly, Charlotte got screwed deservedly. They easily put the worst team in the NBA out on the floor night in and night out, and hoped they'd land the top pick. Teams that do not even try, do not deserve to be rewarded with the best player the NCAA has to offer. By no means am I attempting to say the Bocats are a good team, but no professional basketball team should lose 23 straight games. 


Most had assumed that the Bobcats were a lock for the top spot, only to start waving the conspiracy flag when New Orleans won.


It does not matter who wins the Number 1 pick, because everyone is a loser. People will continue to despise the use of a draft lottery.


The lottery will talk for itself. 

All Important Offseason For Sixers

The longest active tenured Sixer could be on the move. (Photo courtesy of NBA.com)

When the final buzzer sounded at the end of Game 7, the Sixers surprising postseason run came to an end. Now, Sixers fans are left with the what could have been feeling, rather than what never was. However, the 2012-2013 Sixers team will have many new faces. Changes are inevitable, and with Philadelphia almost on the brink of a championship, this summer will be crucial.


To improve, the Sixers will have to take some very hard steps backwards, before moving forwards.


For example.


A) Cut The Fat.
Elton Brand and Lou Williams have Early Termination Options, and Spencer Hawes( as well as Tony Battie) are Free Agents. They can all be let go of. Rather than be thrown in a possible trade to a team he may not want to play for, "Sweet Lou" will most likely opt out of his current deal with the Sixers. Williams did lead the Sixers in scoring, but was a below average defender. In a Free Agent market not filled with too many good shooters, Williams will command a large pay raise from the $5.9 Million he made in 2012.. 


Brand on the other hand is a different story. He is due a whopping $18 million next year, the last of a 5 year, $80 Million contract. By no means would he look to get out of that. The Sixers will most likely have to use the Amnesty clause to let go of Brand. 


If you are not familiar with the Amnesty, I'll give you a quick rundown. A team can release one player from their team, and he will not count towards the Salary Cap. The player is essentially auctioned off, with the highest bidder winning the rights to the player. However, they obtain that player at a reduced rate, with the original team paying most of his salary. 


If the player is not picked up, he becomes a Free Agent, and his original team is not responsible for his salary. 


Although Sixers management most likely would not be happy about paying Brand when he is on a different team, it frees up a massive amount of cap space. They will be able to wheel and deal (if they choose to) much easier, and can take on much more cap room.


In Spencer Hawes' case, there is not much to say. He hurt his back because he hurt his ankle because he hurt his back. Read it again, it makes sense. Regardless, he was horrific in the Celtics series, constantly making poor decisions. Goodbye Matt Geiger, er, Hawes.


Tony Battie, do yourself a favor: retire. Go be a family man.


B) Draft > Free Agency
In most cases it is the complete opposite. However, the 2012 NBA Draft Class is stacked. The Free Agents? Not so much. The Sixers sure aren't out there looking to pay Kwame Brown $6.75 million. There are a few intriguing names: O.J. Mayo is a Restricted Free Agent, possibly a J.R. Smith or a Kris Humphries. However, the NBA has proven time and time again: build through the draft. Just look at the Oklahoma City Thunder.


Philadelphia has the 15th overall pick, as well as two Second Round picks. With holes at PF/C (and soon to be SG), the 2012 draft is deep in both areas. Names to keep in mind: Syracuse G Dion Waiters, North Carolina PF John Henson, Kentucky G Doron Lamb, and St. Bonaventure PF Andrew Nicholson. All players are extremely highly rated, and could fill an immediate hole with the Sixers.


Philadelphia could absolutely climb into the Top 10. However, the only way to do that would be...


C) Trade Andre Iguodala
Well you cannot say the Sixers never tried to work it out with him. Expectations were high for Iguodala when he was selected was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. Those expectations ballooned when he signed a six year, $80 Million extension in the summer if 2008. 


But the role the Sixers needed Iguodala to command, he could never take hold of. This team desperately needed a shooter, and his offensive inconsistencies destroyed the Sixers. As a second option, he'd fit perfectly. However, he was simply asked to do too much here. He is extremely talented on the Defensive end of the ball, and his ability to attack the rim is one of a kind. On the trade market, he could command quite the return, including a lottery pick. If the Cavaliers were able to receive what turned out to be the #1 pick for Baron Davis, Iguodala could easily bring in a Top 10 pick. They would still be able to maintain the #15 pick, and therefore bring in two extremely talented rookies.


New Sixers CEO Adam Aron reiterated all season long his commitment to winning. This summer will truly attest to how important winning is to them. If management kicks their feet up and watch the rest of the Eastern Conference improve, they'll be run out of town quicker than they got here. 


It is vital that Josh Harris, Aron and company realize that this Offseason will shape the course of the Sixers for the next several years.


Will they go back to their losing ways, or will they make more Title runs for years to come?


Only time will tell.

Allen Iverson Returns

Allen Iverson may have grown up in Virginia, but he finally returned home to Philadelphia after 3 years. 


The Sixers brought A.I. back in 2009 for the last 25 games of the season, but was not re-signed at the end of the year.


But with the biggest game in Sixers history since Iverson crossed up and stepped over Tyronn Lue in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, it was only fitting Iverson would be in attendance.


After receiving an invitation from Sixers CEO Adam Aron, Iverson flew to Philadelphia, and presented the referees with the game ball. 


It was a moment that will be a part of Sixers history forever. As he stepped on the court, all 20,043 fans in the Wells Fargo Center rose to their feet, giving him a roaring ovation. 


Sitting from my couch, I couldn't help but cheer as well.


Iverson, sporting a Lou Williams jersey, embraced new Sixers owner Josh Harris before walking to center court. On his way, he cupped his hand to his ear in the "I can't hear you." motion. 


Oh, he could hear them alright. It was easy to tell how emotional he was. As much as he wanted to get on the court, he couldn't wait to get off, in fear of collapsing. 


In an interview done with ESPN's Lisa Salters, Iverson marveled at the love shown to him by Sixer fans.

He also mentioned how badly he'd love to play in the NBA again, an opportunity he may never receive again (which he admitted).

A harsh reality, but something Iverson is ready to deal with. If there was anything he proved over the course of his 14 year NBA career, it was his passion for the sport of basketball.

Put aside the "practice" rant, Iverson brought it night in and night out. Sixers fans, recognized that, an embraced him with a love unfathomed by any other athlete in the Philadelphia history. 

As I heard last night, "if the city of Philadelphia birthed a son, it would be Allen Iverson". 

Truer words have never been said.

Here is the video of the pre-game festivities: 

Kevin Garnett And The Case Of The Fair-Weather Fans

Courtesy of Philadunkia.

A war on the court is now boiling over to a war of words.


After the Celtics took Game 5 and a 3-2 series lead, Kevin Garnett took a little shot at Philadelphia fans as the series heads back to the City Of Brotherly Love. 


When asked about the loyalty of Sixers fans in comparison to Celtics fans, KG had this to say: "Not even close,” Garnett said. “[In Boston] you got fans and [in Philadelphia] you got fair-weather fans. Take that how you want.”


As usual, quite a few Philadelphia fans became quite defensive, especially some local beat writers. Garnett has always been known to stir the pot, and is hated on by every fan base, minus those in Minnesota and Boston.


But if you step back a second and put your Sixers rally towel down, Garnett is absolutely correct. Especially in the Sixers case, Philadelphia is chock full of "fair-weather" fans. Yes, there will always be die hard fans, like Alan Horwitz, the guy you usually find humping the hardwood floor next to the Sixers bench. 


However, most Sixers fans hopped right on the bandwagon this year, then got off, then proceeded back on. When the Sixers got off to their hot, early season start, Philadelphia was pretty riled up over their basketball team.. They were back, the fans were back, and all was good. 


And then the Sixers took a tumble. They could not buy a win towards the end of the season, and all the hype and momentum surrounding the team was completely gone. As they clung to a one game lead over Milwaukee for the final Playoff spot in the East, people were ready for another Playoff without Philadelphia in it.


The Sixers clung on, and faced the Bulls in the First round. After Chicago lost Derrick Rose to an ACL tear in Game 1, it was the Sixers series to lose. Fans noticed too. They came piling into the Wells Fargo Center (most capitalizing off of $9 tickets on Stubhub), and watched the Sixers down the Bulls in 6 games. 


It was incredible, the Sixers advancing past the first round of the Playoffs since 2002-2003. At this point, the rough stretch of seasons Philadelphia endured seemed to be forgotten. The last place teams in the Atlantic Division, the coaching carousel of 2003-2004, and many other awful times had vanished in thin air.


Which most likely brought on Garnett's comments. Nobody was attending Sixers games as they struggled through the mid 2000s. If you need any reinforcement, check out the NBA attendance records.


Now, no blame should be placed on Sixers fans here. Who wants to spend $50 on tickets per person, plus another $25 just to eat to watch your team lose? When your team puts out an awful product, you have every right not to want to blow your money. 


But when you get called out because of it, you have to own up. 


That is how it is in Philadelphia, and any other sports city.


Your team sucks, you don't want to go watch them play, simple as that. The same case can be made for Boston before the Big 3 era. 


While Paul Pierce was trying to put the Celtics on his back, Boston couldn't put butts in the seat. When Ray Allen and Garnett joined the party, every and their mother was out at TD Garden watching their Celtics play. 


The argument can be thrown back in Garnett's face, but that would be avoiding the point.


Fess up Philadelphia, we put the Sixers on the back burner for 6 years. Nobody cared about an under achieving team with no ability to pull in superstars. 


But now that we're a few games from the Eastern Conference finals, Wells Fargo Center is packed with Iguodala jerseys, and Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner shirseys. 


It is fine to want to support your local team when they are winning.


Just don't act like you were there when they were losing.

Sixers Drop Game 1 In Boston

The Sixers and Celtics kicked off their Series in Boston, with Game 1 Saturday night. Philadelphia knew stealing the first game would be no easy task. In order to do so, they would need to get out to a fast start.


They did just that. Andre Iguodala would carry a hot finish versus Chicago into Boston. He shot 4-6 in the First Quarter with 9 points. Kevin Garnett scored the Celtics first 6 points, and had 8 in the quarter. 


After one, the Sixers were up 28-18.


Coach Collins allowed Evan Turner to bring up the ball in the 2nd, and it paid immediate dividends. Turner scored 12 points on 6-9 shooting. His Offensive contributions helped pushed the Sixers lead to 12.


However, the Celtics would soon cut into that lead. The Sixers would only make one shot in the last 3:30 of the 2nd quarter, and the Celtics cut the lead to 5.


At the half, the Sixers were up 47-42. A disappointing end to the First Half, but the Sixers were able to subdue Celtics Guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo was only 1-6 with 2 points in the first half. 


The Sixers went back and forth in the 3rd Quarter, trading 4 leads in the opening portion of the Second Half. Hawes contributed 9 points in the 3rd, taking advantage of Celtics backup Center Greg Stiemsma. 


Kevin Garnett continued to assert his dominance in the 3rd. He had 6 in the quarter, and Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, and Paul Pierce all contributed 4.


But the Sixers were still able to find themselves up 4 71-67 heading into the 4th.


However, the Celtics made it count in the 4th Quarter. Rondo came alive in the final quarter, scoring 6. Kevin Garnett, who carried Boston all night long, dropped a dozen in the final quarter. 


The Sixers could not buy a bucket.


Down 3 with 3.3 seconds left, Rajon Rondo fouled Jrue Holiday, forcing him to the foul line. It was a heads up play by Rondo, because sending Holiday to the line for 2 all but ended the game.


The final in Boston: Celtics 92, Sixers 91.


Andre Iguodala scored 19 points on 7-16 shooting. Turner contributed 16, and Lavoy Allen quietly dropped 12. 


Kevin Garnett came to play tonight. He scored a whopping 29 points, and the Allen-Pierce tandem combined for 26. 


Rajon Rondo, even after a quiet first half, ended up with a triple double. 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 17 assists. 


After the game, Thad Young went for X-Rays. He suffered a sprained ankle midway through the game, but came back and played. 


Philadelphia let a great chance slip through their hands, and paid the price. The Sixers will 

Sixers-Celtics: A Rivalry Reborn?

In the last month or so of the NBA Regular Season, if I said the Sixers would make the playoffs, not too many people would believe me. If I said the Sixers would make it past the first round, that would probably be the last time anyone ever listened to me.


Well both events came true, with a little help from the Injury God. The Sixers were set to the Chicago Bulls. In Game 1, Derrick Rose went down in the last minute of the game with a Torn ACL. In Game 3, Joakim Noah went down with a sprained ankle. The window of opportunity opened for the Sixers, and they took advantage.


They downed the Bulls 4-2, with Game 6 won in thrilling fashion. It was as equally shocking as it was exciting; the last time the Sixers won a playoff series, John Stockton and Karl Malone were still balling in Utah.


The year was 2003, but that makes it feel a lot longer, doesn't it?


Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were beating the Atlanta Hawks up and down the East Coast, stealing Games 2-4, before putting them away back in Boston. 


Now, the Sixers and Celtics are set to collide in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Two teams that did battle in the 1980s, now lopsided in the Celtics favor.


Here is the schedule for the Second Round games:

GAME	DATE	CITY	TIME	TV	RADIO
Game 1	Sat., May 12	Boston	8:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 2	Mon., May 14	Boston	7:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 3	Wed., May 16	Philadelphia	7:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 4	Fri., May 18	Philadelphia	TBD	ESPN	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
*Game 5	Mon., May 21	Boston	TBD	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic
*Game 6	Wed., May 23	Philadelphia	TBD	ESPN	97.5 The Fanatic
*Game 7	Sat., May 26	Boston	TBD	TBD	97.5 The Fanatic

The Sixers have not beat the Celtics in the Playoffs since 1982. If you can recall, the Sixers won the NBA Championship that year, with Julius Erving, Bobby Jones, Mo Cheeks, Moses Malone, and the "Boston Strangler" Andrew Toney. In '85, the Celtics blew out the Sixers 4-1. 2002 was the last time the two faced in May, with the Celtics winning 3-2. 


Now, the Sixers and Celtics have the ability to restore what was once a very hostile rivalry.


In the Regular Season, the Sixers won 2 of 3, with their statement victory coming March 7th at home, where the Sixers won 103-71. 


The key to that victory (and this series): Evan Turner. In 36 minutes, Turner was 11-19 from the floor, with 26 points on the night. In a Sophomore season that has been up and down, that game was one of his defining moments. 


What made Turner so effective? He had the ball in his hands. All night. Turner's biggest criticism in his short NBA career is his inability to play off the ball. That can be a massive negative, if Coach Doug Collins allows it to be. 


Turner needs to start the game handling the ball, with Jrue Holiday essentially moving to the 2 spot. 


Also on the Offensive side of the ball, the Sixers need to lay the 3 point shooting to rest. They shot 24.7% against the Bulls. The only team who shot worse in the Playoffs was the Utah Jazz. Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams especially wasted too many opportunities by chucking up horrific three point attempts. They need to drive to the hoop and force the Boston big men to foul them.


It is no secret that Rajon Rondo is the reason Boston's Offense is so effective. His crafty passing and ability to get to the hoop cause all sorts of trouble for opposing defenses. But shutdown Rondo, and you take out a large part of the Celtics. To keep him quiet, Holiday and the Sixers must keep him around the perimeter. What Rajon Rondo loves to do (and does so well) is drive and dish. He causes the man down low to play him, and in turn Rondo  dishes to Kevin Garnett down low. Keep him up top, and he can be beat.


Prediction: Sixers in 6 Games


I've lost my mind, I know. Beating Chicago in the First Round was extraordinary for the not only the Sixers Organization, but the players as well. Guys like Iguodala, Elton Brand, and Lou Williams who have been with the team for several years finally got the taste of Playoff victory. They don't want it to end now. 


Yes, Boston has the Playoff experience with Pierce, Allen, and Kevin Garnett. But the Sixers have what it takes to bring down a bunch of savvy veterans: Pure speed. This Philadelphia team gets out and runs the floor like nobody else in the NBA. Their fast break game will be key to a successful run past the Boston Celtics. 

Iguodala To The Rescue

Never thought I would ever say/write these words: Andre Iguodala won a game.


Usually I recap the entire game. Quite frankly, all you need to know is the last two minutes of the Fourth Quarter. The Sixers managed to blow a 12 point lead in the 3rd quarter, and found themselves down 3 with two minutes left. 


Philadelphia had a miserable Second Half, and could get nothing going. With the shot clock running down, Lou Williams was forced to chuck up a bad 3 pointer. 


However, Andre Iguodala was able to draw an offensive foul at the other end of the floor, and the Sixers regained possession. 


Back down the floor they came, and Spencer Hawes delivered a layup underneath for 2 of his 8 points in the game. 


On an inbounds playing coming out of a timeout, Chicago executed to a T. C.J. Watson found a cutting Omer Asik to slap it home, and put the Bulls back up 3. 


But the Sixers answered back, as Thaddeus Young hit a finger roll layup while falling back.


And after that things got wild. C.J. Watson brought the ball up the court. With no other option, Guard Jrue Holiday tried to foul. No call. 


Watson dished to Asik down low, who Spencer Hawes immediately hacked. Asik was 4-5 from the Free Throw Line. 


He would miss two of two at the line.


So with 7 seconds left, Andre Iguodala broke down the court, took it right up the middle, and drew a foul on Omer Asik.


Finally, Iguodala had the chance to redeem himself. With two free throws, Iggy could right all wrongs.


Throughout his tenure in Philadelphia, Iguodala had faced an extreme amount of criticism. With the game on the line, he gave himself the chance to enshrine his name in Sixers history.


He calmly drained the first. After what felt like an eternity, Andre Iguodala stepped to the line for the Second shot.


Swoosh.


In what seemed like an ending that could have only been captured by Hollywood, Andre Iguodala put the Sixers up 1. 


An attempted buzzer beater from Watson at the buzzer clanked off the rim.


This Sixers team had done the impossible, a feat that had not been accomplished .since 2002-2003: win a playoff series.


If you fondly recall, the Sixers defeated the then Charlotte Hornets. 


The Sixers also became only the 5th team in NBA history to bring down the 1 seed as an 8 seed.


And for Andre, the struggles seem well worth it now. Iggy played 43 minutes, scored 20 points, along with 7 assists. Holiday and Turner both scored 14 on 8-23 shooting.


A roller coaster of a season, the latter portion being their lowest point, is now an all-time high. 


The Sixers are now poised to renew a playoff rivalry with Boston Celtics in the Second Round.


Those pesky Sixers are moving on up.

Sixers Down Bulls 89-82 in Game 4

Spencer Hawes after hitting a 3. 

The Bulls look like a shell of their former selves. After blowing a 14 point lead and losing Game 3, they were given bad news: Joakim Noah would miss Game 4.


On a fast break, Noah went up for a layup, and completely twisted his ankle in a way that made mothers everywhere cringe.


A 3-1 series lead would be crucial for the Sixers, and the Sixers jumped out to a quick lead. Spencer Hawes would carry a strong Game 3 performance over to Sunday, scoring 8 points in the First. Andre Iguodala, who has been bogged down by a nagging achilles injury accounted for 6 points. 


The Bulls could get nothing going, as every offensive opportunity would be one and done.


After One, the Sixers were up 24-15. 


However, the Second Quarter would go the Bulls way.


The Sixers were able to stretch the lead to 10, but only momentarily. Taj Gibson would score the Bulls first 10 points (12 in the quarter) of the Second Quarter to bring the Bulls within 4. 


Meanwhile, the Sixers Guards wouldn't of been able to hit water if they fell out of a boat. Jrue Holiday ended the first half 1-13, the most embarrassing miss coming on a blocked dunk attempt by Omer Asik. Turner, Holiday, and Williams would combine to be 4-28 from the floor. 


The Sixers were only shooting 20.0% from the 3 this series, and the poor shooting trend continued, as they were 2-9 in 3 point attempts.

Jrue Holiday attacks the basket. 

Yet it would be Spencer "Steve" Hawes who was happy to throw the team in his backpack and carry them on his back. Hawes had 9 in the Second Quarter, hitting a 3 pointer with 5.0 seconds left to give the Sixers a 44-42 lead.


Hawes had 21 in Game 3. He had 17 points through just two Quarters. 


The Bulls would need C.J. Watson and Luol Deng to step up in the prolonged absence of Noah and Rose. Watson was 0-6 in the first half, and Deng had just 6 points.


But the Bulls would be down just two heading into the Second Half. 


It would take 3:00 for either team to score, and it would be Evan Turner to get the first bucket.


The two teams would then go back and forth.


As C.J. Watson hit his first bucket of the game to give the Bulls a 6 point lead, Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala would help Philadelphia regain the lead.


Holiday and C.J. Watson finally came around in the 3rd. Holiday had 6 points in the 3rd after starting the Game 1-14, and C.J. Watson would lead the Bulls with 7.


After the 3rd, the Sixers would have a one point over the Bulls, 64-63. 


Poor shooting continued in to the 4th Quarter, as neither team really got into their offensive stride.


Evan Turner was forced to sit with 6:00 minutes left in the 4th after he picked up his 5th foul. 


The Sixers would have a 7 point lead after Jrue Holiday hit two back to back 3 pointers, but C.J. Watson would bring the Bulls within two.


However, the 4th Quarter (and the game) would belong to Jrue Holiday and the Sixers. Holiday got to the line, and sunk two free throws.


The Bulls would get the ball back, but Evan Turner would draw an Offensive Foul on Richard Hamilton, and the game was a wrap.


The final score would be Sixers 89, Bulls 82. 


After having a miserable first half, Jrue Holiday finished with 20 points on 7-23 shooting. Spencer Hawes led the Sixers with 22 points.


It would be a reversal of roles for both teams, as the Bulls dominated points off of turnovers with 19, whole the Sixers would grab 30 points in the paint. 


The Sixers would also get to the line 31 times, a big part of their success in Game 4 vs. the Bulls. 


Carlos Boozer had 23 points on 11-24 shooting for Chicago, but it simply was not enough.


Game 5 is Tuesday, May 8th, with the Sixers given an opportunity to put away the top seeded Bulls in Chicago.

Sixers Steal Game 2 in Chicago

The Sixers may have lost Game 1, but it would be the Bulls who would be left hurting, literally.


With just one minute left in the 4th Quarter, the whirling dervish better known as Derrick Rose sustained a Torn ACL, a brutal injury that sidelined him for the rest of the 2012 Playoffs, and most likely next season as well.


But the Sixers were given a great opportunity, and one they could not let go to waste.


They would take advantage.


It would be Jrue Holiday and Lavoy Allen who would supply the offense in the First Quarter. Holiday scored 8 points and Allen would contributed 4 off the bench. The Sixers did not allow any easy chances down low, either. 


The Bulls would shoot just 4-11 from inside the paint. 


However, they would hold a 28-25 lead.


In the Second Quarter, the Sixers would make a living inside of the paint, scoring 14 of their 22 points from inside the paint. Those baskets would come from fast break opportunities, and the Sixers made the Bulls pay. Holiday would go 5-5 before missing his first shot, contributing 9 points in the second. Lou Williams dropped 6 of his own in the Second, scoring four of those six from the line.


Yet the Bulls would be relentless from the floor, and Joakim Noah and John Lucas would provide most of the offense in the second. Lucas had 11 points, and Noah had 8 points of his own.


The Sixers found themselves down 55-47 at Halftime, but they would not allow the game to get out of reach.


The Third Quarter was there's for the taking. The Bulls were limited to 14 points, and missed 15 shots from the floor in the Third Quarter alone. Meanwhile, the Sixers commanded the boards, and just like they had in the second quarter, they got out on the fast break. Evan Turner had 11 points, and Jrue Holiday had another stellar quarter with 7 points. 


Going into the Fourth, the Sixers had a commanding 83-69 lead. They refused to give that up. 


The final Quarter looked like a Harlem Globetrotters game. The Sixers piled on dunk after dunk after alley-oop, and the Bulls were left drooling.


Lavoy Allen, the Temple rookie who had his minutes depleted at the end of the Regular Season had 9 points in the Fourth, and 11 total on the night.


The Bulls attempted to put up a fight, but the game was out of hand.


Final score in Chicago: Sixers 109, Bulls 92.


Jrue Holiday had a Playoff career high of 26 points, along with 6 assists.


Lou Williams and Evan Turner had 20 and 19 points, respectively, and the two also had 6 assists a piece.


The Box Score looked like something you had seen from a Sixers game very early in the season, with six scorers in double figures.


No shock that the Bulls were missing Derrick Rose, as the guard tandem of John Lucas and C.J. Watson merely could not get the job done.


One big part of D-Rose's game is his ability to get out and run. Without him in the lineup, the Bulls had a measly 8 fast break points.


The Sixers had 25, with 7 points coming off of 9 Chicago turnovers.


Game 3 is back in Philadelphia on Friday night, and the momentum has swung the Sixers way.