The Philly Phanatics

I know the title is corny guys, but to hear the Sixers mentioned in playoff talks today just sort of made my day. Then I came home, saw we were playing Dallas, and realized how insane I was for thinking we might actually make the playoffs. Or so I thought. The Sixers surprised me and probably 95% of Philadelphia by beating one of the top 3 NBA teams tonight, the Dallas Mavericks. Andre Miller, the Eastern Conference player of the week, scored 21 while pulling down 8 rebounds and dishing 7 assists to lead his team to its 4th straight win. There was a late 12-1 run that gave the game to the Sixers, who recieved a standing ovation, a rare sight in the Wachovia Center these days when the Hardwood is tossed down. Igoudala finished with 14 including two jumpers on that 12-1 run. Josh Howard, despite leaving the 4th early with a back-injury, led his team with 17 points. Nowitzki was right behind him with 15 points. Dirk also pulled down 9 and dished out 7. The Mavs only had 10 points in the 4th, and 23 the entire 2nd half. Philly had 18 points off of the fast break, which seems to be a huge part of their game recently. Lou Williams had the first two baskets on that 12-1 break, one on the run. He had 12 off the bench and gave the Sixers some energy and production off of the bench. Philly's largest lead was 13. They had more steals, less turnovers, and a better percentage in every shooting category except for free-throws. They took advantage of the short-handed Mavs, and actually got my hopes up for a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.