SIXERS NEWS

This was it. This was the game the Sixers were finally going to win. The one in which they were finally going to show what kind of team they really are this season. Unfortunately, the movie looked all too familiar for Sixer's fans tonight in Indiana. On paper the Sixers actually came in the bigger of the two teams and probably slightly better talent wise. The bottom line is they should have been able to hold their own against the Pacers. Instead like they did so many times last season they didn't show up for a full 4 quarters and paid the price for it. Defensively the Sixers were not very good again, but got lucky that Indiana didn't shoot very well otherwise this one could have a blowout. Still, they got out-rebounded 51-46 by a smaller team and that's just unacceptable. Offensively, they also weren't that great, at only 43% from the floor and a putrid 50% from the free throw line. They also only got to the free throw line 16 times, so getting to the line and making free throws when they get there continues to be a problem for this team.

The only real bright spot for the Sixers on this night was their 3 point shooting, which for once was actually very good at 54% from beyond. In fact, Thad Young and Lou Williams were a combined 3 for 3 from beyond, as the Sixers jumped out to a 13 point lead in the 2nd quarter. Unfortunately, Williams who had 18 points in the first half to lift the Sixers to that lead, did not score again. Indiana meanwhile went on a 17-5 to start the 3rd quarter and this time there was Sixer 4th quarter comeback as they ironically fell by 13, 99-86. Aside from Williams and Thad who scored 11 by the way, the other bright spots for the Sixers were Jrue Holiday who finally got into double figures with 12, Elton Brand who continued to impress with 12 and 10 rebounds, Evan Turner who was back on the upswing with 9 and 7 rebounds, and Andre Iguodala who posted 12 points. Again all of that only added to another missed opportunity for a win. I really thought things were going to be different for the Sixers this season, and they would win games like these now. Sadly it seems I was wrong. Nothing has changed.