SIXERS NEWS

The Sixers began their playoff run tonight in Detroit at the palace. All signs pointed to an easy opening win and probable series win for the Pistons and little chance of the Sixers winning at all in Detroit. Fortunately, someone forgot to tell the players they were supposed to lose. A furious late rally and an ill-timed lapse in focus for the Pistons later and the Sixers had their upset win in Detroit. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Reggie Evans) with Miller's 20 leading the way. Defensively, it was Sammy D leading the way with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Reggie Evans added 14 clutch rebounds of his own, as the Sixers actually outrebounded Detroit 45-43, and held them to just 39% shooting from the field as Detroit went cold in the 4th quarter. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers came out with some energy and took the early lead, but eventually Detroit composed themselves, and led by 5 with the score 27-22 heading into 2nd. In the 2nd quarter of play the Pistons continued to pull away and led by 13, with the score 51-38 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Sixers began their comeback, and by the 4th had cut the lead to 7, with the score 70-63. Still, there seemed to be no way the experienced Pistons would cough up the rest of the lead in the 4th, but a funny thing happened. The Sixers continued their comeback as the shots just stopped falling for the Pistons and suddenly with just over 5 mintues to play the Sixers found themselves ahead 80-79. A clutch tip in by Evans pushed the Sixer lead to its zenith, at 86-82. The teams traded free throws from there, until with about 30 seconds to play, Rasheed Wallace had a golden opportunity to to tie it at 88 with a open layup, but missed hit. Iggy gathered in the rebound, sunk to clutch free throws and the Sixers had themselves a surprising 90-86 victory. So the Sixers lead the series 1 game to 0, as they get ready for game two on Wednesday. I know I can't wait to see it.