So far, the Philadelphia 76ers have not lived up to their preseason expectations with the addition of their new power forward, Elton Brand. The two time All—Star has been averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds in his start with the Sixers so far. But, let’s not make Brand the No. 1 reason why the team has fallen to 2-5 at the start of the season.
For the past year, Philadelphia has been known as a fast—breaking team that likes to run the floor and force an up—tempo style of basketball. But, so far this season, their fast—break points have been limited. Teams who have played against the 76ers this season are playing a half court, slowed down offensive and defensive game.
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Last night, the Sixers lost 93-80 to the Utah Jazz (6-1) at home. The team ended up with 17 turnovers, 38 percent from the field, and the team’s third straight lost of the season. Thaddeus Young, who has been one of the Sixers top scorers, was limited to only nine points and 11 rebounds in last night’s game.
Although the Sixers had a 20-4 run against Utah during the third quarter and erased a 12—point deficit from the half, the team’s biggest struggle seemed to be defense and careless turnovers. Utah scored 16 points off of Philadelphia’s 17 turnovers, and Carlos Boozer ended the game with 19 points and 16 rebounds. After the game, Brand talked about his team’s defensive struggles, “The defense is how you win games...and we have to step it up."
Even though the Sixers are off to a bad start, fans should not see the 76ers season as near over. As if the addition of a true power forward in Brand wasn’t hard enough, the Sixers are learning how to play a half court style of basketball, which has contributed to their losing. Once they understand how to play half court basketball, they will be a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
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about 1 month ago
Great article! I hope the luck turns for the 76ers!! I've got my figures crossed that we'll have yet another thing to celebrate about in Philly!
Keep up the great writing! You truly have a talent for journalism. I bet by next year (if not later this year) you'll be writing for the Temple News!
from about 1 month ago
Danielle:
Thanks for reading my article. I'm glad that you enjoy it & hopefully, I will take a class in journalism to improve my writing skills!
-- Jenise R.
about 1 month ago
Slam dunk! Excellent article.
about 1 month ago
How would you like to work for Comcast Sportsnet, writing articles that our newscasters could say on some of our many programs?
about 1 month ago
well its early, so the sixers can get it together
from about 1 month ago
Mike:
Thanks for reading my artice & absolutely, they still have over 65 more games to play, the 76ers should get things together pretty soon!
-- Jenise R.
about 1 month ago
Are you a Philly fan?
If so, I can understand.
"...they will be a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference".
lol...I just commented on another article about this. Elton Brand leaves an average team to join another average team and they're supposed to become contenders.
How?
What's this formula that we've never heard before?
When are they, according to you, going to learn how to play halfcourt basketball?
from about 1 month ago
Trapstar:
Thanks for reading my article...
Absolutely, I am a huge Philadelphia sports fan! So far things haven't looked well for the Sixers, but I don't think that they will continue on this downward spiral. I also don't think that Elton Brand will leave the Sixers to go to another 'average' team, but I can see why you would have that idea (I thought it myself), but it's still very early in the season and Philadelphia has many more games to play.
The formula? Well, I'm still not sure about that myself, but hopefully outside shooting and making jumpshots would help.
And when will they learn halfcourt basketball? I think that they are far from 'mastering' the halfcourt game, but I think that by January, they should have gotten the hang of things!
And lastly, I do not believe that the 76ers will make it to the Eastern Conference Championship round, but they do have a shot at being one of the top 5 teams in the East just behind Toronto! (Who they just happened to beat tonight 106-96)
---- Jenise R.
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