FINALLY, the Sixers played a good game and didn't give up, even when they fell behind!
I don't know if the Pistons are a good team as they are now, but the Sixers did beat them without their best player so it counts for something.
Starting Speights and Dalembert was fine, only because Detroit didn't try to go big later in the game. The Sixers are short at Center and PF in terms of numbers, so having them both on the floor is more of a luxury than a normal line-up.
Iguodala is starting to relax and play more like the player he is capable of. He did a great job at the 2 spot last night, and didn't fold when Prince was guarding him-more often than not. I was amazed to see them attempting to guard Thad Young with Rip Hamiliton, and more than a little annoyed that Cheeks didn't attempt to post up Thad.
The team is still a work in progress, but I'm starting to see signs of the team coming around. The biggest difference is that Iguodala and Williams are starting to make their shots. If they can get 30 pts. a night out of those two, they should be in a position to win most nights. Miller is still shooting too much himself, but since he's shooting about 50% and getting to the foul line with regularity, I can't complain. It would be better if he was passing more, but he's not really a good point guard- he never hits a player coming off a cut or on the screen and roll, ever!
Speights is continuing to develop, and I really like the way he plays. I thought Cheeks could have played him more later in the game, but I suppose he didn't want to mess with the chemistry. Marshall was playing well, and Detroit wasn't hurting them on the boards.
Out of the three players Stefanski added at the end, Ivey, Rush and Marshall, the only one worth keeping is Donnyell. The two others are barely adequate as back-ups and have yet to do anything to distinguish themselves. But Donnyell can stretch the floor and make shots. I think we can expect to see more of him even when Brand gets back.
