This was a bad game for the Sixers, one of the worst in recent memory, and I blame Di Leo for the loss. The Sixers started out fine, and looked good through the entire first half, but fell apart in the third quarter, in large part thanks to the absurdly accurate shooting of Peja.
I blame Dileo since all during that time, Thad Young, who had been doing a great job on Peja was on the bench, while instead, Tony had Reggie Evans on the floor.
Why is it that the Sixers want to go small to match up with teams? Why not make it harder on them by putting out a big line-up and going inside? Speights got no minutes in the second half and the Sixers couldn't score enough points.
Chirs Paul was his amazing self, and was able to force turnovers and steals with his quickness. The Hornets also got away with fouling the Sixers often, without getting a foul called.
It was clear that none of the Sixers on the floor felt confident enough to take the 3's to match NO, but DiLeo didn't try to put in Marshall or anyone else to try.
Just a poorly-coached game all around- the Sixers did not protect the ball, and did not work their offense with proficiency. The Hornets without any inside rebounding or shot blocking were ripe for the taking, but the Sixers didn't take them. Instead they let them shoot outside shots all night, playing slow players like Reggie.