The Sixers started out the season with a loss to Toronto which showed that they still have a ways to go towards becoming a good team. But last night they played the Knicks and blew them out of the building, which demonstrates that they're not that bad a team either.
A 29 pt. blow-out against the Knicks isn't all that impressive, they have no interior defense and they don't have enough shooters to stay close to even an average team. What was impressive is the unselfish way the Sixers played, making the extra pass and trying to get all the teamates involved.
All of you who say Willie Green can't play should take note of his boxscore: 18 pts. on 8-10 from the field including 2-2 from 3pt. range, 2 boards, 1 assist and 2 steals in 29 min.
The thing that I noticed is how close the team is and how much they care about each other. I don't know how much camraderie translates into wins, but it can't hurt! Last night was Mareese Speights first game as a Sixer, (he was on IR on Opening night, ostensibly to allow the veterans to all be in uniform opening night. When the team was announced last night, they decided to allow Mareese to lead the team out for his debut. Only problem was, they didn't follow him and he walked out into the arena alone!
Even with the blow-out, Mareese had to wait until there were only 6 minutes left in the game before he could play. His boxscore? 6pts. and 3 rebounds on 3-4 shooting. After the game, all his teamates rushed the floor to congratulate him on his first NBA minutes. Watching that you could tell his teamates support him and believe that he will become a good player.
IMO, the Sixers stole another great pick out of the middle of the first round, Speights will make a big difference in this team down the road.
Tonight they have a tougher contest against the Hawks in Atlanta.
