SIXERS NEWS

The Sixers played game 4 of their opening playoff series with the Magic tonight, looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. It was an ugly night for both teams, and the Sixers were extra scrappy in the final minutes of the 4th quarter erasing a 10 point Orlando lead. For a moment then it did look as if they would get their 3-1 lead, but it was not to be as fate dealt them a cruel hand. Both teams struggled offensively, as the Magic again shot just 30% from the beyond the arc and the Sixers shot just 38% from the field. It was by far the best defensive effort of the Magic thus far this series, and yet they were still outrebounded 43-37 overall and 10-3 on the offensive glass, and allowed the Sixers to take it down to the wire. That says something about the play of the Magic so far in this series. They have simply appeared lazy and disinterested, perhaps because they have no respect for the Sixers, or maybe they just don't care at all I don't know. They may turn it up now that they have the advantage in the series again, but if they don't the Sixers will still have a chance in this series. Anyway back to the game both teams were terrible in the first half and the score heading into the 3rd quarter was an ugly 36-36 tie. In the 3rd quarter Orlando tried to turn it on a bit, and they were able to build a 10 point lead. They were still leading by 10 with about 5 minutes to play. Then the Sixers turned it up on D and made one final push, amazingly tying it up at 81-81 on a dunk by Sammy Dalembert with 15 seconds to play. From there on the ensuing Orlando possession the Magic gave the ball to Hedo Turkoglu who had been struggling all series long. This time he came through drilling a three pointer over Thad Young, who had stepped back just hair to much to stop him. Iggy missed a 3 at the buzzer on the other end and the Magic had their win in Philly 84-81, and the 2-2 series tie. The Sixers will now have to win at least one more game in Orlando to win the series, and that may be asking to much.