It's clear that the Sixers didn't try anytjhing else when what they were doing wasn't working. I honestly can't say what would make a difference, since the officials gave that game to New Jersey.
It's appropriate for the Nets to try to get back in the game by playing tough D, but that doesn't mean the refs shouldn't call fouls on them or call them for illegal D, or call a foul on the Sixers when they have the ball.
I was able to watch the game again this morning. The Nets camped out in the Sixers lane, and Iguodala was physically held on some possessions. This team was up by over 10 pts with 8 min. left and managed 2 points the rest of the way, while NJ scored 11, most of which came from Harris.
There were a couple of put-backs by Lopez that Killed the Sixers. Speights was out there all alone, when he went to block the shot, no one came to block out Lopez. Miller made a beautiful drive down the lane to get the ball to Speights at point black range, he went up was hit and the ball went out of bounds. No call, and NJ threw the ball in and ran down the floor.
It's true that the Sixers made a lot of mistakes down the stretch, but it isn't like NJ scored a lot of points, they only managed 20 in the 4th. That shouldn't be enough to overcome a 10 pt. deficit, ever. The only explanation is the referees, who screw the Sixers routinely in every game. For a team that drives so often they should be among the league leaders in free throws, but they aren't.
New Jersey sucks and had no business winning that game. The Sixers should have done some things differently. Not putting in 2 rebounders and defensive blockers in the game is something they do routinely, and they often end up paying for it. So often that it is puzzling that they continue to do it. Thad is a great player, bit he is not good at boxing out other bigs, probably because he just isn't physically strong enough. It's a serious mistake and it has to stop. There was no excuse since Dalembert was able to play.
Still, it was the refs. They're probably from NJ. Scum.
