SIXERS

After pulling out a win over the Hawks the Sixers faced a much sterner test tonight in Miami in a possible playoff preview. Despite a good effort on both sides of the floor, they failed the test. The hobbled Andre Iguodala was just no match for Lebron James and the Sixers just don't have anyone who can cover Dwayne Wade. Together that duo powered the Heat past the Sixers in the latter stages of the game. The Sixers didn't make it easy though, on either side of the floor. Defensively, they racked up 10 steals and forced Miami into 15 turnovers. Offensively, they shot a decent 46% from the field and 36% from beyond, as 6 Sixers scored in double figures. Lou Williams again led the way with 24 off the bench, Thad Young had 15, and 8 rebounds, also off the bench, Jodie Meeks had 14, Jrue Holiday and Spencer Hawes each had 13, and Andre Iguodala had 10 but was clearly too bothered by his bad knee to score more.

That scoring and stealing twice allowed the Sixers to jump out by leads of 8 or more early in the 1st quarter and early in the 4th quarter, but each time Lebron and Dwade turned it on when necessary and the Sixers had no answer. Despite a brave battle down the stretch the Sixers eventually bowed out 111-99. So if possible they'd probably like to avoid Miami in the first round.