The 3-pointer that Jodie Meeks hit in the fourth quarter of Game 4 Friday, the one that gave the 76ers their first lead of the game, might have been set up the game before.
The strategy has become clear for the 76ers, who find themselves in an Eastern Conference semifinal series that is going longer than their opponent wanted. They want to wear down the Celtics' stars, particularly Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Doug Collins didn't have to check the pulse of his team to know that the 76ers went into Game 5 with the attitude that they're determined to win the series.
Before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, 76ers coach Doug Collins said Elton Brand's neck and shoulder were still bothering him, and that he planned on going to Lavoy Allen early in Game 5. 'His neck looked stiff,' Collins said about Brand.
The networks don't want any part of the 76ers, and neither do the Boston Celtics. To the TV networks, the Sixers are the poor stepchild to the superstar-laden teams. On a good night, the Sixers can't shoot straight.
It was more than two years since Allen Iverson last appeared in the Wells Fargo Center. Back then, he was trying to hang on to his NBA career with the Sixers. He hasn't played in the NBA since, but it was clear that he's still beloved in Philadelphia.
Seemingly, the History Channel played re-runs here on Wednesday night. Allen Iverson was back, presenting the game ball, wearing a red Sixers' baseball hat backwards and a red jacket over his white jersey.
Charlie Manuel rocked back in his office chair, relaxed for the first time in three-and-a-half hours. This one had been ugly, a back-and-forth affair in which his starter was done in the fifth and his bullpen continued to fuel the drama.
Charlie Manuel rocked back in his office chair, relaxed for the first time in three-and-a-half hours. This one had been ugly, a back-and-forth affair in which his starter was done in the fifth and his bullpen continued to fuel the drama.
