Don't expect a win tonight. If the Phoenix Suns win this game, it will be hard-fought and deserved no matter how it happens. Why? Because Philly is not an easy out.
Of course, we all remember the drubbing they dished out to the Suns a couple weeks ago, a drubbing that ultimately forced the Phoenix Suns to check themselves before they wrecked themselves, and become *gasp* a respectable defensive team.
Don't be surprised if it happens again. The Sixers are 13-7 at home this season, 18-25 overall. They've won their last 3 home games - against Milwaukee, Charlotte and Utah - and currently sit where the Suns want to be: squarely in playoff position.
The Sixers depend on their defense to win games, rated 13th overall in the league (compared to the Suns' 30th) in defense and 22nd in offense. Officially, the Sixers are 17-10 when holding opponents under 100 points, 1-15 when allowing more than 100 points.
Let me repeat that. One win is all they've gotten when allowing 100 points. Phew. That's nice. Our Suns are averaging better than 106 per game. Easy peazy, right?
Wrong. Cuz guess who gave the Sixers their 1 win when giving up 100 or more points?!?!? You got it, Bob! The SUUUUUUNNNNS!
Here's hoping the Suns exact a bit of revenge in this game. Here's hoping the Suns take that game personally, come in with a little backbone and lay a bit of wood to these Sixers. Here's hoping the Suns don't give up open jumper after open jumper.
Here's hoping the Suns play more like a playoff-bound team than the 7th-seeded Sixers.
Oh and guess what? Andre Iguodala will play tonight, as opposed to the last game. He's a terrible shooter (except when playing the Suns) but otherwise a real pest on the court. Iggy draws free throws we can only dream VC would get, and manages to pull down 6 rebounds and dish out 5+ assists a game. Iguodala is a great #3 on a great team, but unfortunately for the Sixers he's been their #1 option for way too long.
Jrue Holiday will make Nash look old sometimes, but Nash still takes those challenges from youngsters and ends up with the better game. Frye's length should be effective against Brand, who can no longer outjump Dudley.
Lets hope Evan Turner doesn't have the game of his life again. And that bit-players Hawes, Speights and Songaila don't have a field day against the Suns either.
Go Suns!
Exact a bit of revenge!
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