Weird for the Sixers who scored 70 points in the first half, allowed the Knicks to shoot their way back from a 23 pt. deficit, and then blew them out in OT.
The truth is the team's offense is sporadic when they're not running. Fortunately, they have enough athletes that they can keep running.
I'm a little concerned about Eddie's not playing certain people and playing others that shouldn't be on the floor. Last night's box score highlights my concern, as well as Eddies comments about Royal Ivey and Willie Green. On a night when Lou Williams scores 27 pts. grabs 10 boards and 7 assists in 42 and a half minutes for a +21. Willie puts up 6 points and 1 board in 9, going 1 for 3 from the field for a -6. Royal puts up 4 pts. no assists rebound or steals and earns a -9! In the meantime Jrue Holiday doesn't play against the Knicks yet again, and neither does Jason Smith.
Since the Sixers have 13 and can only put out 12 per night, one player per night is deactivated. I won't be happy until that player is consistently Royal or Willie who are clearly our weakest links. Jason Smith is capable of a double-double and needs Pt to develop. Royal and Willie are marginal players and Jrue will be better than that. Not playing him when he's behind inferior players is not good coaching. Either these guys are better and deserve their PT, or they should sit and be made to watch the rookie take their minutes. On a night when the Sixers were blowing out the Knicks, they made their comeback when Ivey and Green were on the floor. This is not inspiring confidence in Eddie's evaluations! Maybe he's just trying to build up confidence in these guys, but the numbers don't lie, they can't play defense or score enough to offset their counterparts.
It's only been three games, but it's becoming clear that Lou Williams is well-suited to playing the point, as long as they're in a running game. If the Sixers are allowed to play that way, Lou will put up all-star numbers like he did last night. Those who thought that Willie should start should realize by now, that Lou is a much better player on both ends of the floor.
Speaking of All-Stars, Iguodala almost gets a triple double: 32 points 8 assists, and 11 rebounds! High plus/minus man for the night was Elton Brand, who had 16 and 7 himself. Thad Young had 25 pts. Against the Knicks anyone can look good. Sixers need to be challenged in a game to find out who they really are. Fortunately, they get their chance as their next game is against Boston this Tuesday. My favorite Sixer, Marreese Speights got a double double, 20 pts. 10 reb. 2 assists and 2 blocks in just under 30 min. That was 3 Sixers with a double- double in the game, does anyone know how often that happens for any team? That seems like a lot of talent to me!
