Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Sixers Beat By Atlanta, Lose Third Straight

      The Sixers were defeated by the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday, starting a new losing streak for Philadelphia. The Sixers played their 8th game in 12 days, winning only one of them. Philly was able to get out to a fast start, leading 8-0 and holding the Hawks scoreless for almost 5 minutes. However, the Hawks bounced back quickly and led for the rest of the game winning it 107-97.

      Frustration showed on the team's faces throughout the game, which at least for the fans shows that they care. They trailed by as much as 19 in the first half and were unable to cut the deficit to single digits in the final quarter. Philadelphia's starters only accounted for 37 points. Evan Turner had an awful performance, scoring 2 points off 1-7 shooting in 23 minutes of play. The Sixer's bench showed up in their starter's absence with Damien Wilkins scoring 21 and Dorrell Wright adding 20 points and 9 boards. As a team, Philly shot only 43% compared to the Hawks shooting 53%. This is the second game in a row that the Sixers allowed their opponents to shoot over 50%, both resulting in losses. Jeff Teague and Al Horford both had great games for ATL, each recording a double-double. Teague led all scorers with 27 points as the Sixers guards couldn't stop him. The Hawks also had a great performer off the bench in Anthony Tolliver, who scored 21 and grabbed 8 rebounds. Tolliver only averages 3.4 points a game but he had the hot hand against the Sixers who were not expecting his play.
            The 76ers have lost 10 of their last 11 in what has been an embarrassing and appalling second half of the season. Philadelphia continues their 3 game road trip against the red-hot Heat in Miami on Friday. Miami is currently on a 16-game winning streak and beat the Sixers 114-90 two weeks ago. I can't imagine the Sixers stopping the Heat and if they wish to even compete they will need a better performance in all aspects of their game.

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