The Sixers looked to continue their winning ways tonight as they returned home for a matchup with Dwight Howard and the Magic. Despite playing on back to back nights the Sixers gave Orlando all they could handle and then some. Defensively, they held trey loving Magic under 40% from beyond and actually out rebounded Orlando 45-40. They also did a good job keeping most of the Magic to less then their best, except Howard who went off for 30 and 17 rebounds and that proved to be the difference. The Sixers themselves didn't quite do enough offensively and that too was a factor. They shot only 42% from the field with Lou Williams 23 leading the way. Andre Iguodala was also big with 21 and 8 assists, Elton Brand chipped in with 12, and Jodie Meeks had 17, but no other Sixer had more than 7 points.
Despite not shooting their best most of the night the Sixers actually did come out strong early on, taking a 9 point lead through 1 quarter. Orlando rallied back in the 2nd quarter as the Sixers cooled off and by the half it was a 2 point Orlando advantage. The Sixers were never able to find their top form again for the remainder of the night, but they did not give up. Defense and scrappy allowed them to stick within 5 heading into the 4th quarter. There in the 4th they continually found a way to stay within a basket or two. They were never able to get over the hump though, and eventually after sinking some free throws Orlando hung on to win 99-95.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
After failing to complete weekend sweep of the New York the Sixes looked to get back to their winning ways tonight in Atlanta against the Hawks and boy did they. Atlanta never knew what hit them. While it's true that the Hawks were without Al Horford, I don't know that they would even have had a chance to win if they did have him. The Sixers were just too good on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they held Atlanta to just 40% shooting from field and 16% from beyond, while racking up 9 steals and 5 blocks and commanding the boards 50-35. Offensively, the Sixers rode hot shooting all night, at 54% from field. Lou Williams 20 off the bench led 6 Sixers in double figures. Elton Brand also had 17, Jodie Meeks and Thad Young each had 16, Jrue Holiday had 15, and Andre Iguodala had 11.
Right from the beginning it was all Sixers all the time. At the end of the 1st quarter they were already up by 18. By the half time the lead was already an insurmountable 32. Atlanta finally woke up a bit in the 3rd quiarter and made some inroads but it was too late. Despite Atlanta's best efforts, the Sixers still led by 30 heading into the 4th quarter. There the Sixers did not rest on their laurels, instead extending their lead by 4, before roling to a 34 point win, 117-83. Not bad huh.
Right from the beginning it was all Sixers all the time. At the end of the 1st quarter they were already up by 18. By the half time the lead was already an insurmountable 32. Atlanta finally woke up a bit in the 3rd quiarter and made some inroads but it was too late. Despite Atlanta's best efforts, the Sixers still led by 30 heading into the 4th quarter. There the Sixers did not rest on their laurels, instead extending their lead by 4, before roling to a 34 point win, 117-83. Not bad huh.
Monday, February 07, 2011
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles have promoted Micheal Zordich and Mike Caldwell to secondary and linebackers coach respectively. With those promotions and Juan Castillo's promotion to defensive coordinator, the Eagles have now filled all of their major defensive coaching openings.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers completed the 2nd half of a home and home series with Knicks this afternoon in the Garden. After toughing out a win in the first half at the Wells Fargo center they were going to have come out with a different type of energy if they wanted sweep the series. Unfortunately they just never quite found the energy they needed in this one, at least not on defense anyway. Amare Stoudamire was just unstoppable with 41 points on 17 of 21 shooting and the Sixers probably would have been best served just to let him do his thing and guard the perimeter. Instead they tried to cool him down and guard the perimeter at the same time and it didn't work. All too often Knicks were left open from beyond while Amare was doubled and tripled and they took full advantage, especially the rookie Landry Fields, who nailed 5 of 7 from beyond to quell all Sixer comeback attempts.
For their part the Sixers did plenty of scoring as well, with Elton Brand's 28 and 5 rebounds leading the way. Andre Iguodala also chipped in with 14, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Thad Young 16 and Lou Williams had 19, both off the bench. Ultimately though, it doesn't matter how many points you score if you can't stop the other guy. Early on the Sixers were at least able to keep things tight. New York rode Amare to a 7 point lead after a quarter of play but the Sixers managed a few defensive stops in the 2nd quarter, and rallied back to within 4 at the half. In the 3rd quarter New York again rode Amare and now Landry to an extended lead, this time by as many as 11, but it wasn't enough to shake the Sixers. Again the Sixers figured out a way to turn it up a notch on defense and it was to close the gap all the way to 3 at one point before settling for a 6 point deficit heading into the 4th quarter. This time Amare and Landry were too much, as despite the Sixer's best efforts the Knicks finally pulled away for good for the 117-103 win.
For their part the Sixers did plenty of scoring as well, with Elton Brand's 28 and 5 rebounds leading the way. Andre Iguodala also chipped in with 14, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Thad Young 16 and Lou Williams had 19, both off the bench. Ultimately though, it doesn't matter how many points you score if you can't stop the other guy. Early on the Sixers were at least able to keep things tight. New York rode Amare to a 7 point lead after a quarter of play but the Sixers managed a few defensive stops in the 2nd quarter, and rallied back to within 4 at the half. In the 3rd quarter New York again rode Amare and now Landry to an extended lead, this time by as many as 11, but it wasn't enough to shake the Sixers. Again the Sixers figured out a way to turn it up a notch on defense and it was to close the gap all the way to 3 at one point before settling for a 6 point deficit heading into the 4th quarter. This time Amare and Landry were too much, as despite the Sixer's best efforts the Knicks finally pulled away for good for the 117-103 win.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
After a solid win over the Predators the Flyers looked to keep it going tonight as the Dallas Stars visited the Wells Fargo center. Despite the solid play of Sergei Bobrovsky last time out, Brian Boucher got the start in goal tonight and was brilliant saving 30 of the 31 shots he faced, including a game saving glove save in the 3rd period. Meanwhile on the other side of the ice 8 different Flyers registered points to help dim the Stars a bit.
Late in the first period Ville Leino setup Andrej Meszaros to blast one in from the point for a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute into the 2nd period Sean O'Donnell and Blair Betts setup Darroll Powe on a shorthanded breakaway as he wired one past Kari Lehtonen for a 2-0 lead. After Dallas cut it to 2-1 late in the 2nd, the Orange and Black came back halfway through 3rd period with Jeff Carter stuffing one in for a 3-1 lead. From there the Flyer defense and Boucher ensured the Orange and Black would win by that same score.
Late in the first period Ville Leino setup Andrej Meszaros to blast one in from the point for a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute into the 2nd period Sean O'Donnell and Blair Betts setup Darroll Powe on a shorthanded breakaway as he wired one past Kari Lehtonen for a 2-0 lead. After Dallas cut it to 2-1 late in the 2nd, the Orange and Black came back halfway through 3rd period with Jeff Carter stuffing one in for a 3-1 lead. From there the Flyer defense and Boucher ensured the Orange and Black would win by that same score.
Friday, February 04, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers have truly been playing very well as of late and tonight with Knicks in town they finally had the opportunity to the reap the rewards of their good play and move ever closer to the 6th spot in the Eastern conference. As you might expect between two potential playoff teams it was a tight well played affair. In the end it was the defense of the Sixers and the lack thereof of the Knicks that proved the difference. The Sixers held the Knicks , who love the three ball, to just 29% from beyond and 40% from the field. They also did a good job holding Amare Stoudamire in check with just 21 and 7 rebounds, on 7 of 19 shooting. Meanwhile Elton Brand led the way offensively, with a season high 33 and 16 rebounds, while Andre Iguodala posted an amazing 18 and 16 assists, Jodie Meeks drilled 4 treys and wound up with 14, and Thad Young chipped in with 10 points in important minutes off the bench.
The First quarter was all Sixers as they rolled to a 14 point lead. New York struck back in the 2nd quarter and rallied all the way back to take a 1 point lead into the half. The Sixers rebounded a little bit in the 3rd quarter but still found themselves down 9 heading into the 4th. The 4th quarter was just about all Sixers. They held New York to just 16 points and erased the 9 point lead completely. In fact they actually led by 10 with 3 minutes to play. Then uh oh New York finally heated up from beyond and the Sixers started misfiring and before you knew it the Knicks had the ball down 2 with 14 seconds left. Fortunately the Sixer defense came through again as Thad Young ran Shawnee Williams off the 3 point line and then helped to stuff his attempt at a layup as time expired, to preserve a big 100-98 win. With the win the Sixers move to 23-26 overall and just 2 games behind the Knicks for 6th in the East.
The First quarter was all Sixers as they rolled to a 14 point lead. New York struck back in the 2nd quarter and rallied all the way back to take a 1 point lead into the half. The Sixers rebounded a little bit in the 3rd quarter but still found themselves down 9 heading into the 4th. The 4th quarter was just about all Sixers. They held New York to just 16 points and erased the 9 point lead completely. In fact they actually led by 10 with 3 minutes to play. Then uh oh New York finally heated up from beyond and the Sixers started misfiring and before you knew it the Knicks had the ball down 2 with 14 seconds left. Fortunately the Sixer defense came through again as Thad Young ran Shawnee Williams off the 3 point line and then helped to stuff his attempt at a layup as time expired, to preserve a big 100-98 win. With the win the Sixers move to 23-26 overall and just 2 games behind the Knicks for 6th in the East.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
Following a listless performance against the Lightning, the Orange and Black looked to get back on track tonight against the Predators. Despite his rough outing last time out, Peter Lavoliette stuck with Sergei Bobrovsky in net and he delivered saving 26 of the 28 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Ville Leino led the way offensively with 2 goals including the game winner. Jeff Carter was pretty strong too with a goal and 2 assists, and Claude Giroux had 2 assists as well.
Halfway through the 1st period Kimmo Timonen and Giroux teamed up to assist Carter for a 1-0 lead. Nashville tied it up at 1 just about a minute later but that would be the last score of the game until the 3rd period. Early in the 3rd period Carter and Mike Richards setup Leino on the power play for a 2-1 lead. Again Nashville tied it up just a few minutes later. Finally with a little over 3 minutes to play Giroux and Carter setup Leino for a spinarama that finally put the Flyers up to stay 3-2. This time in the final minutes Nashville could not come up with the equalizer and Flyers hung on to win 3-2.
Halfway through the 1st period Kimmo Timonen and Giroux teamed up to assist Carter for a 1-0 lead. Nashville tied it up at 1 just about a minute later but that would be the last score of the game until the 3rd period. Early in the 3rd period Carter and Mike Richards setup Leino on the power play for a 2-1 lead. Again Nashville tied it up just a few minutes later. Finally with a little over 3 minutes to play Giroux and Carter setup Leino for a spinarama that finally put the Flyers up to stay 3-2. This time in the final minutes Nashville could not come up with the equalizer and Flyers hung on to win 3-2.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
With the tea coming off an impressive win over the Nuggets, you just new the New Jersey Nets would be no match for the Sixers. Coming in the Sixers had won 4 of their last 5 against the New Jersey and tonight was more of the same. The Sixers were the better team from the beginning and had edge in most statistical categories including 47 rebounds to 38 for New Jersey, a perfect 18 for 18 from the line to 15 of 20 for New Jersey, 33% from beyond to 30% for New Jersey, 9 turnovers to 12 for New Jersey and 23 assists to 16 for New Jersey. Frankly the Nets were lucky not to lose by a huger margin than they did. Perhaps more impressive though the Sixer's team effort was the individual effort of Jrue Holiday who posted his first career triple double with 11, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. He had plenty of help too, as Andre Iguodala scored 16, Elton Brand had 15 and 10 rebounds, Jodie Meeks had 15 and Lou Williams pumped in a game high 26 off the bench.
The Sixers came out red hot in the first quarter before settling for a 2 point lead heading into the 2nd quarter. By the half they were up by 9 and they never looked back. By the 3rd quarter they led by 12. To their credit the Nets didn't give up but they just didn't have enough to worry the Sixers down the stretch. After another solid 4th quarter the Sixers had cruised to a 14 point win, 106-92.
The Sixers came out red hot in the first quarter before settling for a 2 point lead heading into the 2nd quarter. By the half they were up by 9 and they never looked back. By the 3rd quarter they led by 12. To their credit the Nets didn't give up but they just didn't have enough to worry the Sixers down the stretch. After another solid 4th quarter the Sixers had cruised to a 14 point win, 106-92.
EAGLES NEWS
After months of searching the Eagles have finally hired a new defensive coordinator. The Eagles new defensive coordinator will be Juan Castillo. Yes that Juan Castillo, the Eagles offensive line coach since 1998. This is probably most surprising hire the Eagles could have made and logic dictates that an o-line coach can't become defensive coordinator. However, Castillo does have a defensive coaching background, albeit in high school and college, and he did play linebacker in college, so this isn't a totally crazy hire. In addition Castillo was one of the best o-line coaches in the league throughout his tenure from 1998-2010 and is noted for his strong work ethic and the rigorous practices he puts his players through. Plus if anyone would know how to break through an offensive line it would be the offensive line coach right? Also the Eagles now have arguably the best d-line coach in the league in Jim Washburn and he certainly help Castillo build a strong D. At any rate Castillo will have the defense playing hard for him and he'll have their respect, something Sean McDermott unfortunately never did. So who knows hiring Castillo as the d coordinator is so crazy it might just work.
In other news to replace Castillo on the o-line the Eagles brought in legendary former Colts o-line coach Howard Mudd. No quarterback was ever better protected than Peyton Manning during Mudd's tenure there and Mudd was actually retired so getting him to unretire and come to Philly was a huge coup for Andy Reid. It was probably also the reason he was willing to move Castillo to D coordinator. Anyway with Mudd and Washburn in tow the Eagles at the very least should be much stronger on both sides of the line.
In other news to replace Castillo on the o-line the Eagles brought in legendary former Colts o-line coach Howard Mudd. No quarterback was ever better protected than Peyton Manning during Mudd's tenure there and Mudd was actually retired so getting him to unretire and come to Philly was a huge coup for Andy Reid. It was probably also the reason he was willing to move Castillo to D coordinator. Anyway with Mudd and Washburn in tow the Eagles at the very least should be much stronger on both sides of the line.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers came out flat tonight in their first game after the all-star break as Dwayne Roloson and the Lightning shut them down. The Flyers are now 0-3 against the Lightning this season. With Tampa currently the #2 seed in the Eastern conference that might raise some alarms about the Orange and Black's playoff prognosis, but I'm not worried. This Flyers team always struggles after breaks and tonight was no exception. Also the Flyers have really show the Lightning their best and until that happens and they still lose, I will not worry.
The only thing you might want to worry about is the Flyer's goaltending, particularly the play of the rookie goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky which wasn't great tonight. He faced only 6 shots and yet allowed 3 goals. No it wasn't all his fault, as the sluggish defense in front of him did few favors, but he couldn't done better. Regardless of Bobrovsky's performance the Flyers weren't going to win this one anyway. They just couldn't find any energy offensively and never really produced any good scoring opportunity. As a result Dwayne Roloson stop all 38 shots he faced with relative ease to lead the Lightning to a 4-0 win.
The only thing you might want to worry about is the Flyer's goaltending, particularly the play of the rookie goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky which wasn't great tonight. He faced only 6 shots and yet allowed 3 goals. No it wasn't all his fault, as the sluggish defense in front of him did few favors, but he couldn't done better. Regardless of Bobrovsky's performance the Flyers weren't going to win this one anyway. They just couldn't find any energy offensively and never really produced any good scoring opportunity. As a result Dwayne Roloson stop all 38 shots he faced with relative ease to lead the Lightning to a 4-0 win.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
Following arguably the worst loss of the season against the Memphis and with Carmelo and Nuggets coming to town, life didn't figure to get any better for the Sixers on this night. Fortunately, Doug Collins is the coach of the Sixers now and he ensured his team would not dwell on the loss. Indeed they came out tonight as if it never happened and played one of their best games of the season. Defensively they held Carmelo to just 12 points and 3 rebounds, while racking up 5 blocks and 9 steals and forcing 17 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Sixer's were close to lights out from floor, shooting 55% as a team with six 6 guys in double figures. Andre Iguodala led the way with 24 and 7 assists, while Elton Brand had 15, Jodie Meeks chipped in with 12, and off the bench Evan Turner had 11, Lou Williams had 12, and Thad Young had 21 big points.
Both teams came out hot with Denver narrowly outshooting the Sixers for a 2 point lead heading into the 2nd. From there the Sixer defense managed to slow down the Nuggets while Denver could not slow down the Sixers. By the half the Sixers were up by 3. Through 3 quarters they led by 10. Finally in the 4th Denver tried to make a push, but the Sixers held steady and eventually cruised to an 11 point win, 110-99, Now that's how you respond to a bad loss.
Both teams came out hot with Denver narrowly outshooting the Sixers for a 2 point lead heading into the 2nd. From there the Sixer defense managed to slow down the Nuggets while Denver could not slow down the Sixers. By the half the Sixers were up by 3. Through 3 quarters they led by 10. Finally in the 4th Denver tried to make a push, but the Sixers held steady and eventually cruised to an 11 point win, 110-99, Now that's how you respond to a bad loss.
FLYERS NEWS
Danny Briere had 2 goals for team Lindstrom and Claude Giroux had a goal and an assist for team Staal as team Lindstrom defeated team Staal in the NHL all star game 11-10. Surprisingly, neither Briere or Louis Erickson who had 2 goals and 2 assists for team Lindstrom were named game MVP. Instead Patrick Sharp of the losing team Staal, who had a goal and 2 assists, was given MVP honors. Go figure.
EAGLES NEWS
Mike Vick completed 5 of 10 passes for 59 yards and no scores and David Akers booted two field goals as the NFC blew out the AFC in the pro bowl, 55-41.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies to the Wells Fargo center tonight as they looked for their season best 4th straight win. The Grizzlies came in without a suspended O.J Mayo and so a Sixer win seemed an almost foregone conclusion. Indeed for the better part of 3 quarters the Sixers, despite poor shooting, were the better of the 2 teams. Thanks Elton Brand's 15, Andre Iguodala's 12, and 16 by Jrue Holiday and Jodie Meeks, the Sixers actually led by 21 late in the 3rd quarter.
Then Grizzlies changed to a zone defense and the Sixers, for whatever reason couldn't handle it. They committed one turnover after another and nearly blew the entire lead before building it back up to 16 in the 4th quarter. Then the turnovers came back and that lead went away too. Before you knew it they were down by 5 with 8 seconds before Jodie Meeks drained an off balance trey while getting fouled. He sunk his free throw and suddenly after Zach Randolph hit a couple FTs for Memphis, the Sixers down 3 with 7 seconds. Unfortunately Tony Battie, who knows why he ended up inbounding, threw his inbounds pass out of bounds and couple of free throws later the Sixers had fallen 99-94. They've had some disheartening losses this season but None can quite outrank this one.
Then Grizzlies changed to a zone defense and the Sixers, for whatever reason couldn't handle it. They committed one turnover after another and nearly blew the entire lead before building it back up to 16 in the 4th quarter. Then the turnovers came back and that lead went away too. Before you knew it they were down by 5 with 8 seconds before Jodie Meeks drained an off balance trey while getting fouled. He sunk his free throw and suddenly after Zach Randolph hit a couple FTs for Memphis, the Sixers down 3 with 7 seconds. Unfortunately Tony Battie, who knows why he ended up inbounding, threw his inbounds pass out of bounds and couple of free throws later the Sixers had fallen 99-94. They've had some disheartening losses this season but None can quite outrank this one.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers traveled to Toronto tonight as they looked to extend to a season best 3 game winning streak. Thanks to some solid defense and hot shooting they were able to do just that. Defensively, they simply did most things better than the Raptors, with the edge in rebounding, steals, and blocks. They also ensured that only 3 Raptors would score in double figures. Meanwhile, 7 Sixers scored in double figures, topped by Mo Speights 23 and 9 rebounds off the bench. Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, and Jrue Holiday all chipped in with 15 as well, while Elton Brand added 14 and Thad Young and Evan Turner each had 10.
Toronto actually had hot hand early and took a 9 point lead into the 2nd quarter. The Sixers rallied back in the 2nd quarter pulled even at the half. The 2nd half was all Sixers as they amped up their defense and shooting. In the 3rd quarter they ran out to a 7 point advantage. In the 4th quarter they simply kept it going pushing the lead way into double figures before cruising to a 13 point, 107-94 win. With the win they move to 20-25 overall and maintain the 7th spot in the Eastern conference.
Toronto actually had hot hand early and took a 9 point lead into the 2nd quarter. The Sixers rallied back in the 2nd quarter pulled even at the half. The 2nd half was all Sixers as they amped up their defense and shooting. In the 3rd quarter they ran out to a 7 point advantage. In the 4th quarter they simply kept it going pushing the lead way into double figures before cruising to a 13 point, 107-94 win. With the win they move to 20-25 overall and maintain the 7th spot in the Eastern conference.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the Montreal Canadiens to the Wells Fargo center tonight for their last game before the all-star break. The last time the played the final game before a break, they came out flat against the Panthers and went into their Christmas break with a loss and bitter taste in their mouthes. They were determined to not let that happen this time around, especially not with the 1000th home win in franchise history on the line, and boy were things different in this one. They just jumped out to a quick start and never really looked back.
With a little over 2 minutes to play in the 1st period, Mike Richards and Chris Pronger teamed up on the power play to setup Jeff Carter for a 1-0 lead. Just a minute later they teamed up on the power play again to setup Kimmo Timonen for a 2-0. Just 23 seconds into the 2nd period Pronger registered another assist, as Dan Carcillo scored for a 3-0 lead. After Montreal cut it to 3-1, Scott Hartnell and Danny Briere teamed up to assist Claude Giroux on another power play tally to make it 4-1 heading into the 3rd period. With just under 5 minutes to play Montreal managed to cut it to 4-2, but that was as close as they would get as Pronger assisted Briere on an empty netter in the closing seconds to cap a 5-2 win.
With a little over 2 minutes to play in the 1st period, Mike Richards and Chris Pronger teamed up on the power play to setup Jeff Carter for a 1-0 lead. Just a minute later they teamed up on the power play again to setup Kimmo Timonen for a 2-0. Just 23 seconds into the 2nd period Pronger registered another assist, as Dan Carcillo scored for a 3-0 lead. After Montreal cut it to 3-1, Scott Hartnell and Danny Briere teamed up to assist Claude Giroux on another power play tally to make it 4-1 heading into the 3rd period. With just under 5 minutes to play Montreal managed to cut it to 4-2, but that was as close as they would get as Pronger assisted Briere on an empty netter in the closing seconds to cap a 5-2 win.
Monday, January 24, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers looked to string a couple wins together for the first time in a while as they welcomed Steve Nash and the Suns to the Wells Fargo center. The last time these two teams met at Phoenix the Sixers, without Andre Iguodala, surprisingly won easily. Tonight was more of the same. Just as in the first meeting the Sixers were able to get out and get easy points on the break with 12 steals. They were also more physical around basket out rebounding Phoenix 41-32. The Suns simply had no answer inside for Elton Brand who put up 22 and 9 rebounds, and Thad Young who provided 24 and 7 off the bench. They also couldn't stop the quick bench scoring of Lou Williams and Evan Turner who each dropped 14.
In the 1st quarter it was a tight affair with the Sixers eeking out a 1 point lead heading into the 2nd. It was all Sixers in the 2nd quarter as they powered to a 14 point lead at the half. They kept it going in the 3rd quarter, rolling into the 4th with a 17 point lead. As early as the 5 minute mark in the 4th the Sixers led by as much as 21. They starting moving their starters to the bench after that, leading to a bit of a sloppy finish, but despite the sloppiness they still managed to cruise to a 10 point win, 105-95. With the win the Sixers move to 19-25 overall and remain 7th in the Eastern conference.
In the 1st quarter it was a tight affair with the Sixers eeking out a 1 point lead heading into the 2nd. It was all Sixers in the 2nd quarter as they powered to a 14 point lead at the half. They kept it going in the 3rd quarter, rolling into the 4th with a 17 point lead. As early as the 5 minute mark in the 4th the Sixers led by as much as 21. They starting moving their starters to the bench after that, leading to a bit of a sloppy finish, but despite the sloppiness they still managed to cruise to a 10 point win, 105-95. With the win the Sixers move to 19-25 overall and remain 7th in the Eastern conference.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers traveled to Chicago this afternoon to engage in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch with the Blackhawks. While the Orange and Black came up short in the finals they did not on this afternoon. Jeff Carter was the big hero in this one with 2 goals and an assist, while Nikolay Zherdev chipped in with a goal and an assist and Claude Giroux had 4 assists. Meanwhile on the other end of the ice Sergei Bobrovsky was brilliant saving 30 of the 31 shots he faced.
After a scoreless 1st period, Carter got things going just 49 seconds into the 2nd period, as Giroux and Zherdev set him up for a 1-0 lead. Later a couple minutes into the 3rd period Giroux setup Zherdev for a 2-0 lead. A few minutes later Giroux setup Carter for a 3-0 lead. Still Chicago did not go away with Marian Hossa scoring just a minute later to cut it to 3-1. Thanks to Bob it stayed 3-1 until the final minutes, forcing to desperately pull their goalie in favor of the extra attacker. It didn't work though as Carter and Giroux setup Scott Hartnell for an empty netter to put away a 4-1 win with 52 seconds left. How sweet it is.
After a scoreless 1st period, Carter got things going just 49 seconds into the 2nd period, as Giroux and Zherdev set him up for a 1-0 lead. Later a couple minutes into the 3rd period Giroux setup Zherdev for a 2-0 lead. A few minutes later Giroux setup Carter for a 3-0 lead. Still Chicago did not go away with Marian Hossa scoring just a minute later to cut it to 3-1. Thanks to Bob it stayed 3-1 until the final minutes, forcing to desperately pull their goalie in favor of the extra attacker. It didn't work though as Carter and Giroux setup Scott Hartnell for an empty netter to put away a 4-1 win with 52 seconds left. How sweet it is.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
After back to back heart breakers the Sixers had to have a win tonight to avoid falling into a true tailspin. That would be no easy task as they welcomed Deron Williams and Utah Jazz, winners the last 6 times these teams met, to the Wells Fargo center. Fortunately Andre Iguodala was on his game again with 22 points on 8 of 10 shooting. Elton Brand also had 19 and 8 rebounds and Lou Williams was huge off the bench again with 20. Aside from that the Sixers played some great D, with 12 steals, 3 blocks, and great perimeter D. In short the Sixers were able to get stops time and time again while the Jazz could not.
Thank's to Utah's inability to make stops the Sixers were really in control all night. After the 1st quarter they led by 4. At the half they led by 6. After 3 quarters they led by 7. Finally in the 4th after a couple stops and fast breaks they pulled ahead by double digits before winning easily by 11, 96-85. With the win the Sixers move to 18-25 overall and from 9th back up to 7th in the Eastern conference. Believe it.
Thank's to Utah's inability to make stops the Sixers were really in control all night. After the 1st quarter they led by 4. At the half they led by 6. After 3 quarters they led by 7. Finally in the 4th after a couple stops and fast breaks they pulled ahead by double digits before winning easily by 11, 96-85. With the win the Sixers move to 18-25 overall and from 9th back up to 7th in the Eastern conference. Believe it.
FLYERS NEWS
With a matchup against the team that beat them in the Stanley Cup finals looming on Sunday, the Flyers got caught looking ahead a bit this afternoon as they sleep walked to a loss against the New Jersey Devils. Brian Boucher seemed to be a bit shaky again, allowing a couple quick scores to the Devils in the opening period. Meanwhile Johan Hedberg was tremendous for the Devils. With assists from Claude Giroux and Mike Richads James Van Reimsdyk finally beat him with seconds remaining in the 2nd period but that was it for the Orange and Black. Hedberg basically stood on his head from there and saved 26 in all. After several huge saves from Hedberg New Jersey added an empty netter to put it away a sluggish 3-1 Flyer's loss. Better luck Sunday I guess.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
After a heartbreaking loss to the Magic the last thing the Sixers wanted was another tight affair, but that's exactly what they got tonight in Charlotte. Unfortunately they come a little short once again. Andre Iguodala had 19, Elton Brand had 12 and 10 rebounds, Jrue Holiday had 13 and 7 assists, and Thad Young was huge off the bench with 21 and 6 rebounds, as was Lou Williams again with 11. In the end all went for the naught though.
The Sixers trailed early by 3 after the 1st quarter and 6 at the half. After the 3rd quarter they were still down 6. They finally mounted a rally in the 4th quarter and actually held the lead for a while. As the 1:52 mark they were up 1, 91-90. Then Charlotte pushed ahead again 94-91, but Iggy fouled shooting a three and had a chance to tie things up at the line. He only made 2 of the 3 though and the Sixers remained down by 1 with 40 seconds left. From there Gerald Henderson, who killed them all quarter long, drilled another jumper to put Charlotte up 3 and that was about all she wrote as the Sixers fell 100-97.
The Sixers trailed early by 3 after the 1st quarter and 6 at the half. After the 3rd quarter they were still down 6. They finally mounted a rally in the 4th quarter and actually held the lead for a while. As the 1:52 mark they were up 1, 91-90. Then Charlotte pushed ahead again 94-91, but Iggy fouled shooting a three and had a chance to tie things up at the line. He only made 2 of the 3 though and the Sixers remained down by 1 with 40 seconds left. From there Gerald Henderson, who killed them all quarter long, drilled another jumper to put Charlotte up 3 and that was about all she wrote as the Sixers fell 100-97.
FLYERS NEWS
After hanging on to defeat the Capitals the Flyers took it up a notch tonight against the Senators. Just 2 minutes into the 1st period Andrej Meszaros and Sean O'donnell setup Danny Briere for a 1-0 lead. A couple minutes later Braydon Coburn and Andreas Nodl setup Mike Richards for a 2-0 lead. Late in the 2nd period Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen setup Richards again for a 3-0 lead. Just a few minutes after that though Ottawa had cut it to 3-2 heading into the 3rd period.
The Orange and Black really stepped it up after that though. Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux, O'donnell, Jody Shelley, and Scott Hartnell were all involved in fights in the 3rd period as the Flyers bashed Ottawa the rest of the way. 7 minutes into the 3rd Ville Leino and Briere setup Hartnell for a 4-2 lead. A few minutes later Richards and Pronger setup James Van Reimsdyk for a 5-2 lead. Finally a minute after that Giroux and Richards setup Meszaros on the power play to all but put away a 6-2 win.
The Orange and Black really stepped it up after that though. Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux, O'donnell, Jody Shelley, and Scott Hartnell were all involved in fights in the 3rd period as the Flyers bashed Ottawa the rest of the way. 7 minutes into the 3rd Ville Leino and Briere setup Hartnell for a 4-2 lead. A few minutes later Richards and Pronger setup James Van Reimsdyk for a 5-2 lead. Finally a minute after that Giroux and Richards setup Meszaros on the power play to all but put away a 6-2 win.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
After their first OT win of the season a couple nights ago the Sixers looked to take some momentum into Orlando tonight for an encounter with the red hot Magic. Incredibly thanks to some great team rebounding and defense, it really was the Sixers who looked like the better team most of the night. Andre Iguodala had 15 and 7 rebounds, Jrue Holiday had 16 and 8 rebounds, and Lou Williams was big off the bench again with 19 and 7 rebounds, as was Thad Young with 17 and 5 rebounds and Evan Turner with 10 and 8 rebounds.
Early on the Sixers surprised everyone by taking a 4 point into the 2nd quarter. They kept it going into the half maintaining their 4 point lead. They then lead by 7 heading into the 4th quarter. In the 4th they continued to have the upper hand and looked poised for a big win, with a 4 point lead and only 17 seconds left. Then Andre Iguodala was called for a questionable foul on Jason Richardson while he was shooting a three. The ensuing 4 point play tied things up at 90 and sent the game into overtime after Lou missed a trey in the closing seconds. Orlando at the upper hand for most of OT after converting another 4 point play, but somehow the Sixers hung in there and found themselves down 1 with 23 seconds left. It was not to be though as Iggy missed a jumper and Evan Turner missed the follow to cap off a heartbreaking 99-98 loss.
Early on the Sixers surprised everyone by taking a 4 point into the 2nd quarter. They kept it going into the half maintaining their 4 point lead. They then lead by 7 heading into the 4th quarter. In the 4th they continued to have the upper hand and looked poised for a big win, with a 4 point lead and only 17 seconds left. Then Andre Iguodala was called for a questionable foul on Jason Richardson while he was shooting a three. The ensuing 4 point play tied things up at 90 and sent the game into overtime after Lou missed a trey in the closing seconds. Orlando at the upper hand for most of OT after converting another 4 point play, but somehow the Sixers hung in there and found themselves down 1 with 23 seconds left. It was not to be though as Iggy missed a jumper and Evan Turner missed the follow to cap off a heartbreaking 99-98 loss.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles named Jim Washburn their new defensive line coach today. Washburn was formally the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans for the last 13 seasons. While he was with Tennessee the likes of Albert Haynesworth, Jevon Kearse, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Jason Babin became stars. The Eagles hope he can work some similar magic with Brandon Graham and whoever else is on the line next season. Given his track record he's the perfect man for the job.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers and Capitals engaged in another showdown at the Wells Fargo center. For the first 2 periods it was all Orange and Black. Jeff Carter scored unassisted in the 1st period then teamed with Kimmo Timonen to setup Claude Giroux to make it 2-0 in the 2nd period. Meanwhile Sergei Bobrovksy looked great, stopping all 16 shots he faced. Bobrovsky still had a shutout going with 12 minutes to play, when the Flyers started getting sloppy in their own zone. Turnovers by Ville Leino and Mike Richards in the Flyer zone allowed Washington to quickly tie things up at 2.
The Flyers have multiple opportunities after that to retake the lead but they couldn't and the game went into overtime. Just over a minute into overtime Matt Carle and Danny Briere beautifully to setup Andrej Meszaros from the point to blast a wrist shot through traffic in front and in for the big 3-2 win. So it probably wasn't the Orange and Black's best full effort but it was nice to see them pull it out.
The Flyers have multiple opportunities after that to retake the lead but they couldn't and the game went into overtime. Just over a minute into overtime Matt Carle and Danny Briere beautifully to setup Andrej Meszaros from the point to blast a wrist shot through traffic in front and in for the big 3-2 win. So it probably wasn't the Orange and Black's best full effort but it was nice to see them pull it out.
Monday, January 17, 2011
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their trend of playing tight affairs tonight as they took on the Charlotte Bobcats. On a night where neither team shot all that well, it was the Sixers who came through down stretch when it really mattered. Andre Iguodala had 16, Elton Brand had 13, Jrue Holiday had 10 and 6 assists, and hero of the night, Lou Williams, had 23 off the bench. Evan Turner also played an important role off the bench as well.
Early on Charlotte had the slight advantage taking a 1 point lead into the 2nd quarter. The Sixers rallied back in the 2nd quarter to take 1 a point into the half. By the 4th quarter they were up by 6. Unfortunately, as has happened multiple times this season, the Sixers could hang on to the lead down stretch. In fact they found themselves down 3 with 8 seconds left before Lou drilled a trey with 5 seconds left. Stephen Jackson then missed a trey at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime. Early on in overtime the Sixers trailed but Iggy hit a jumper with 38 seconds left to put the Sixers up 92-90 and they never trailed again. Evan Turner hit 4 straight free throws in the final seconds to finish off the Bobcats 96-92.
Early on Charlotte had the slight advantage taking a 1 point lead into the 2nd quarter. The Sixers rallied back in the 2nd quarter to take 1 a point into the half. By the 4th quarter they were up by 6. Unfortunately, as has happened multiple times this season, the Sixers could hang on to the lead down stretch. In fact they found themselves down 3 with 8 seconds left before Lou drilled a trey with 5 seconds left. Stephen Jackson then missed a trey at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime. Early on in overtime the Sixers trailed but Iggy hit a jumper with 38 seconds left to put the Sixers up 92-90 and they never trailed again. Evan Turner hit 4 straight free throws in the final seconds to finish off the Bobcats 96-92.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
FLYERS NEWS
Thanks to the play of Brian Boucher who stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced and points from 6 different Flyers, the Orange and Black were in control for the most of the evening as they traveled to Madison Square Garden to faceoff with the Rangers. It got a little hairy towards the end though the Flyers effort level and Boucher allowed a soft goal. Ultimately New York's surge came too little too late though as the Flyers continued their dominance of Eastern conference foes.
It really was all Flyers early on. Just 6 minutes into the 1st period Ville Leino and Matt Carle assisted Jeff Carter for a 1-0 lead. Later with about 6 minutes left in the period, Leino was the recipient as Carle and Andrej Meszaros assisted for a 2-0 lead. Finally early in the 3rd period Mike Richards scored shorthanded with some help from Claude Giroux to make it 3-0. At that point Boosh was playing so well it looked like that would be all she wrote, but it wasn't. In the 3rd period the Orange and Black's energy level simply dropped and Boucher let in a softie about halfway through the period to cut it to 3-1. Then a couple minutes later he was helpless as the Rangers cut it to 3-2. Fortunately, the Flyers woke up again just enough at that point managed to hold them off the rest of the way for the 3-2 win.
It really was all Flyers early on. Just 6 minutes into the 1st period Ville Leino and Matt Carle assisted Jeff Carter for a 1-0 lead. Later with about 6 minutes left in the period, Leino was the recipient as Carle and Andrej Meszaros assisted for a 2-0 lead. Finally early in the 3rd period Mike Richards scored shorthanded with some help from Claude Giroux to make it 3-0. At that point Boosh was playing so well it looked like that would be all she wrote, but it wasn't. In the 3rd period the Orange and Black's energy level simply dropped and Boucher let in a softie about halfway through the period to cut it to 3-1. Then a couple minutes later he was helpless as the Rangers cut it to 3-2. Fortunately, the Flyers woke up again just enough at that point managed to hold them off the rest of the way for the 3-2 win.
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