Game Thread: Timberwolves @ 76ers (1/22)

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<font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers (19-20)</font> at <font color="DarkGreen">Minnesota Timberwolves (19-18)</font>
Place: Sunday, Jan. 22, 1:00pm at Timberwolves
TV: ABC

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Philadelphia comes into tonight?s contest fresh off one of their better defensive efforts of the season, holding the Memphis Grizzlies to 83 points. The league's second leading scorer, Allen Iverson became the catalyst for the 76ers team in overtime, carrying them over the hump to a win. I cannot forget about Chris Webber, who scored 29 points while grabbing eight rebounds inside. The duo was at it?s best Friday night. I guess the only question left is can they do it again?</font>

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<font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers</font>



<font size=""1""><font color=""DarkRed"">PG</font>- Allen Iverson
<font color=""DarkRed"">SG</font>-Andre Iguodala
<font color=""DarkRed"">SF</font>-John Salmons
<font color=""DarkRed"">PF</font>- Chris Webber
<font color=""DarkRed"">C</font>- Samuel Dalembert</font>

<font size=""1"">Coach: Maurice Cheeks</font>

<font size="3">Season Stats</font>
Leading Scorer: Allen Iverson - 33.2 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Samuel Dalembert - 10.0 RPG
Assist Man: Allen Iverson - 7.5 APG
The 'X' Factor: Andre Iguodala (12.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.7 APG)



[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/allen_iverson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Allen Iverson </font>
PPG: 33.2, RPG: 3.3, APG: 7.5
It was an interesting week for Allen Iverson, he went from a triple overtime victory, to two blow out loses, and ended the week on a winning note. The drama did not fail to match the emotion that the week brought, as Allen Iverson was criticized for walking off the court with nearly a full possession left in a blow out loss to New Jersey, then followed that by voicing his displeasures through the media. One constant remained, possible the only constant of the whole season for the 76ers, Iverson continued to light up opponents. Though the victories where not there the one person you can?t blame is The Answer.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/andre_iguodala.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Andre Iguodala </font>
PPG: 12.0, RPG: 6.0, APG: 2.7
Andre Iguodala?s impressive month in the scoring column has not helped the 76ers find a consistent point in their season, however, that has not held Dre back. Iguodala is coming off his one of his worse scoring performances of the month failing to score double digit in points. However, I think we can give him a pass considering it was really the best performance by the 76ers on defense in a while, Dre being a huge part of that. Expect Dre to have a big game tonight without an explosive scorer to push him when on the defensive end.



[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/john_salmons.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">John Salmons </font>
PPG: 7.6, RPG: 2.5, APG: 2.1
The first part of Cheeks plan to get the 76ers back on track has been put in play, his name, John Salmons. After claiming the starting role last week Salmons has performed relatively well in his new role. As he has made some impressive plays on the defensive end. There is no question he will play a big role if the 76ers hope to get over .500 before all star break.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_webber.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Chris Webber</font>
PPG: 19.6, RPG: 9.9, APG: 3.1
Chris Webber?s name has been involved in some controversial statements lately. He has called out Cheek?s coaching, and supposable even demanded a trade out of frustration after a 28 point loss to the Wizards earlier in the week. However, those statements where retracted and he has apologized for it. Despite the drama his play on the court has not suffered. He is coming off a 29 point outing let?s see how he follows it up.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/samuel_dalembert.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Samuel Dalembert </font>
PPG:9.3, RPG: 10.0, APG: 0.6
Samuel Dalembert has finally learned how to go a game without getting into foul trouble, hell he has done it the whole month, and his statistics show it. Samuel Dalembert is averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds this month, perhaps even more impressive is the 35 minutes a game he is playing. Samuel Dalembert might have a tough match ups on some defensive sets tonight depending who Cheeks chooses to assign to the Big Ticket Kevin Garnett

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<font color="DarkGreen"> Minnesota Timberwolves</font>



<font size=""1""><font color=""Darkgreen"">PG</font>- Marko Jaric
<font color=""Darkgreen"">SG</font>- Trenton Hassell
<font color=""Darkgreen"">SF</font>- Wally Szczerbiak
<font color=""Darkgreen"">PF</font>- Kevin Garnett
<font color=""Darkgreen"">C</font>- Eddie Griffin</font>

<font size=""1"">Coach: Dwayne Casey</font>

<font size="3">Season Stats</font>
Leading Scorer: Kevin Garnett- 22.3 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Kevin Garnett- 11.3 RPG
Assist Man: Marko Jaric- 5.4 APG
The 'X' Factor: Wally Szczerbiak (20.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.8 APG)



[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/marko_jaric.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkgreen">Marko Jaric</font>
PPG: 10.3, RPG: 3.5, APG: 5.4
Marko? Polo? Mark Jaric has been a good option at the point guard position for the Timberwolves this season. Despite his relatively solid statistics he remains one of the NBA?s lesser known players. He is a big point guard so he will be a good option for the Timberwolves on the defensive end to try and stop Allen Iverson, key word being try. Jaric is also a pretty good scorer, and with the history of lesser known players killing the 76ers this season Mark Blount, Perkins, Chris Mihm, just to name a few. Jaric might be tonight?s dark horse for player of the game.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/wally_szczerbiak.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkgreen">Wally Szczerbiak </font>
PPG: 20.2 PPG, RPG: 2.8, APG: 5.8
Despite their supposed off the court issues Wally and KG have combined to be one of the more dominant duos in the league. Wally is having a great season along side Kevin Garnett, if they keep playing like this you have to think that they will be one of the favorites to win their very weak division. Wally will have to step up and be a dominant scorer tonight, and not just an above average one for the Wolves to have a better chance at winning this contest.



[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/trenton_hassell.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkgreen">Trenton Hassell </font>
PPG: 8.9, RPG: 2.3, APG: 2.1
A list came out last summer that contained a number of the league most underrated players, and no surprise Hassell?s name was on it. Despite being one of the better defenders in the league Hassell does not get anywhere near the accolades or publicity he deserves. Part of the reason for this is due to the team he plays for, and the small market he is in. While another is due to his simple lack of flash, and sports center highlights. Make no mistake about it if the Wolves are going to win tonight Hassell will be a big reason why.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kevin_garnett.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkgreen">Kevin Garnett</font>
PPG: 22.3, RPG: 11.3, APG: 4.8
Despite the brilliance of the former league MVP the Wolves have struggled to find the consistency, and winning attitude they had a mere two seasons ago. KG has been having another career season for the Wolves averaging a double double and ranking second in the team in assists. It?s a shame that he cannot get the cast around him to make a run at a championship. Hmmm remind you of anyone?

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/eddie_griffin.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkgreen">Eddie Griffin</font>
PPG: 5.3, RPG: 6.2, APG: 0.6
Eddie Griffin is playing pretty solid for the Wolves at the center position this season, if you consider the fact he is a 6?9? center in the western conference. Eddie Griffin will have a tough match up tonight facing off against the 7? tall Samuel Dalembert. Especially considering SD?s newfound ability to discipline himself and stay out of foul trouble. We will see how this match up turns out, but right now it seems like David vs. Goliath.

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<ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Rebound</font></font> <font size=""1"">the Wizards dominated the 76ers on the board as did the Nets, and the results where the same, a 76ers loss. The 76ers will have to go hard tonight on the boards in order to have a chance to win. The last time these two teams met the 76ers won the rebounding battle, as well as the game. The result should not change if they do the same thing tonight. </font>[/list]

<ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Consistency</font></font> <font size=""1"">the 76ers need to find some consistent options on the offensive end early on in this game. What do I mean by that? They cannot give the ball to Korver ten times in the first half if he is clanking shots left and right. Find your big guns early, and go to them often. </font>[/list]

<ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Defense</font></font> <font size=""1""> if there is one thing the Wolves do well it is score the ball. With two players averaging over 20 points a game on their roster if the 76ers do not play defense with intensity this game will result in another disappointing loss. They must also play defense as a team none of that leaving one man on an island to defend a player like KG.</font>[/list]

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<ul><font color="DarkGreen"><font size=""1"">Run the break</font></font> <font size=""1""> the Wolves will struggle tonight if they cannot get out on the break. With an undersized center matched up against seven foot defensive monster in Samuel Dalembert. Although, Kevin Garnett can always be their safety valve if they get in any trouble. It won?t work well coming down the stretch if the 76ers are doubling Garnett</font>[/list]

<ul><font color="DarkGreen"><font size=""1"">Attack the basket</font></font> <font size=""1""> you have one of the better inside players in the league at your disposal in Kevin Garnett there is no reason to settle for jumpers. Wally will also need to attack the basket, and get a few extra points from the line for his team to have a chance to win.</font>[/list]

<ul><font color="DarkGreen"><font size=""1"">Transition defense</font></font> <font size=""1""> if the 76ers start running early, and get easy buckets the Wolves will find it hard to hang with them. So a key for the Wolves will be transition defense. The Wolves cannot hold their heads down after a missed shot, and forget to get back on defense. That will be the difference in this game.</font>[/list]

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The Wolves are coming into this game looking for some revenge after losing at Philadelphia the last time these two teams met on a last second jumper that went off the mark from Kevin Garnett. The 76ers on the other hand are coming off a win, and know that they need to get to .500 and over before all star break, or else they will be in trouble with their fan base. I will take the 76ers in this one it will be close, but I have faith. </font>

 

This should be a good challenge for us Sixers..we should win this one.

 

76ers 93
T'Wolves 82

Another solid defensive performance, I called it!

 

Nice looking preview BKS, I do believe the Sixers will take this one by 5...

 

I want a win, and I hope we do win, but I just don't see it happening in Minnesota. We lose a heartbreaker: 97-92.

 

Man i hope we win this one. We need this one so bad, Allen needs to get double digits assists for us to win and chris webber must get double digit rebounds. If both of the things happen we will be ok i promise.

 

PIZZA!
i think the sixers will loose a close one but it will be a great game to watch

 

damn it! i was looking forward to this game but instead, i get the nuggets and spurs game on abc!

 

Same here, and to top it off they don't even show it on NBALP, so I can't watch the game!

 

Wow, this team might not even have 30 points by halftime!

 

Our defense is .Our offense is . Our team is

 

AI leading the charge! Tied at 84, with the ball with 9 seconds left... work your magic AI.

ANDRE AT THE BUZZER!!!!

 

Yesssss!!!

 

ANDRE!

Come on baby, this needs to be the turning point of the 76ers season!

 

WOW! that was an amazing comeback and an amazing finish.

Glad to see AI and the boys come back on top, they've been struggling so this will be a huge boost.

 

I almost choked on my Cheez-It/Pepsi...thank you, Andre. We have quite the clutch players (Korver vs Boston, Iverson vs Memphis and Andre vs Minnesota)


GREAT WIN!

 

I've been down on this team for a while now, but man they showed me some heart tonight. Coming back from 19 down on the road to win it... dang. I'm starting to think Super_Sixers_Fan was right... this might be the beginning of a turnaround!

We have Sacramento at home on Thursday... let's make it three in a row!

 

Andre

Heck yea "HOW about them 76ers"?Andre at the buzzer Yes. What a nice fought back game.

 

With the Desire and intensity and focus on this game, I am very happy with our performance.

Offense: C+ It was okay, but to the fans who missed it, it was like DonoVan McNabb, had 4 INT in a football game in the 1st half

Defense:C- If only we defended for 48 minutes, the ranking would be much higher.

Mentaility: A+ We prove, we can go down and get it down dirty by coming from behind 18 to win

Overall: B+ This was a very solid game, with some mistakes in the 1st half, but the 2nd was nearly flawless, the best basketball I've seen since the end of the Larry Brown Era

Prediction: Philadelphia 104 Sacramento 92

Let's make it 3!

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Super_Sixer_Fan:</div><div class="quote_post">
Offense: C+ It was okay, but to the fans who missed it, it was like DonoVan McNabb, had 4 INT in a football game in the 1st half

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Great analogy

But we have to start playing consistently, if anybody watched the game, the first three quarters were ..... , it's too ugly for words to describe.