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Share on FacebookNews, Notes, & Quotes - Jan. 5, 2005
posted Jan. 5, 2005
Korver Knocking 'Em Down
There was a lot of talk prior to the 2004-05 season about how Head Coach Jim O’Brien’s run-and-gun, shooting-oriented offense would be a benefit to Allen Iverson, and that has certainly been the case.
But perhaps no player has benefited more from O’Brien’s offensive style than second-year forward Kyle Korver, who has become the Sixers’ three-point specialist. Korver’s proficiency in the long-distance shot has been no secret - he hit 371 three-pointers in a four-year career at Creighton University, which is a school and Missouri Valley Conference record and ranks sixth all-time in the NCAA record books. Korver also owns the Creighton records for three-pointers attempted and three-point shooting percentage. Last year, he became the first rookie to ever participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout.
But this year, Korver’s three-point abilities have come to the forefront under O’Brien’s system. Through 30 games, Korver has already made 82 three-pointers - one more than he did in the entire 2003-04 season. If he were to continue that pace, Korver would sink 224 three-pointers this year, which would shatter the franchise record of 197 set by Dana Barros in the 1994-95 season.
Several of Korver’s three-pointers have either changed the momentum of a game or been crucial in winning the game itself, like the one he hit on November 12 vs. Indiana that forced overtime in a game the Sixers eventually won. On that night, Korver hit a career-high seven three-pointers to pace the Sixers, becoming just the seventh player in franchise history to make seven or more treys in a single game.
“I know he shoots the ball with confidence, and I think he’s one of the best shooters in the league,” Iverson said after the Indiana contest. “He has the quickest release in the league by far. The only person I think is close to him as far as releases is somebody like Dell Curry. It just does a lot for his confidence, and I’m happy for him because he’s a good guy.”
Through January 4, Korver ranked third in the NBA in three-pointers made, tied with Sacramento's Peja Stojakovic and trailing only Phoenix's Quentin Richardson (88) and Miami's Damon Jones (96).
Sixers Get Boost From Salmons
After missing some time because of bronchitis and asthma, John Salmons has made a significant contribution for the 76ers in the last two games. He came off the bench in the Jan. 2 game against the LA Clippers and gave the Sixers solid minutes while playing both guard positions. Salmons scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. Salmons also played well defensively, coming away with two steals and a block.
His inspired play landed him in the starting lineup Jan. 3 against the Golden State Warriors, where he continued to make an impact. Salmons once again gave the Sixers offense a boost, scoring eight points in 26 minutes of action. Even more impressive was Salmons' ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, compiling six assists along the way.
“I am pleased with John Salmons," said Head Coach Jim O'Brien. "I think he’s a good basketball player. He can move to the point to keep the other team off balance and makes generally good decisions with the basketball. He shoots with confidence, and I like that about him.”
Notables
The Sixers are 4-10 against Western Conference opponents this season, including a 3-2 mark on their current road trip. Prior to this trip, the Sixers were just 1-8 against the West.
The Sixers have used 10 different starting lineups this season … Rookie forward/guard Andre Iguodala is the only player that has started every game this season … Eleven different players have started for the 76ers.
The Sixers enter Utah with a 4-2 record on their current eight-game road trip … During the six games five players are averaging 10 or more points: Allen Iverson (32.5 ppg), Marc Jackson (13.3), Corliss Williamson (10.8), Kenny Thomas (10.3) and Andre Iguodala (10.2) … Eight different players (Dalembert, Green, Iguodala, Iverson, Jackson, Korver, Thomas, Williamson) have scored 10 or more points in a game … Three different players (Green Iverson, Iguodala) have scored 20 or more in a game.
 Kyle Korver has flourished under Jim O'Brien's system. Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images |
There was a lot of talk prior to the 2004-05 season about how Head Coach Jim O’Brien’s run-and-gun, shooting-oriented offense would be a benefit to Allen Iverson, and that has certainly been the case.
But perhaps no player has benefited more from O’Brien’s offensive style than second-year forward Kyle Korver, who has become the Sixers’ three-point specialist. Korver’s proficiency in the long-distance shot has been no secret - he hit 371 three-pointers in a four-year career at Creighton University, which is a school and Missouri Valley Conference record and ranks sixth all-time in the NCAA record books. Korver also owns the Creighton records for three-pointers attempted and three-point shooting percentage. Last year, he became the first rookie to ever participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout.
But this year, Korver’s three-point abilities have come to the forefront under O’Brien’s system. Through 30 games, Korver has already made 82 three-pointers - one more than he did in the entire 2003-04 season. If he were to continue that pace, Korver would sink 224 three-pointers this year, which would shatter the franchise record of 197 set by Dana Barros in the 1994-95 season.
Several of Korver’s three-pointers have either changed the momentum of a game or been crucial in winning the game itself, like the one he hit on November 12 vs. Indiana that forced overtime in a game the Sixers eventually won. On that night, Korver hit a career-high seven three-pointers to pace the Sixers, becoming just the seventh player in franchise history to make seven or more treys in a single game.
“I know he shoots the ball with confidence, and I think he’s one of the best shooters in the league,” Iverson said after the Indiana contest. “He has the quickest release in the league by far. The only person I think is close to him as far as releases is somebody like Dell Curry. It just does a lot for his confidence, and I’m happy for him because he’s a good guy.”
Through January 4, Korver ranked third in the NBA in three-pointers made, tied with Sacramento's Peja Stojakovic and trailing only Phoenix's Quentin Richardson (88) and Miami's Damon Jones (96).
Sixers Get Boost From Salmons
After missing some time because of bronchitis and asthma, John Salmons has made a significant contribution for the 76ers in the last two games. He came off the bench in the Jan. 2 game against the LA Clippers and gave the Sixers solid minutes while playing both guard positions. Salmons scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. Salmons also played well defensively, coming away with two steals and a block.
His inspired play landed him in the starting lineup Jan. 3 against the Golden State Warriors, where he continued to make an impact. Salmons once again gave the Sixers offense a boost, scoring eight points in 26 minutes of action. Even more impressive was Salmons' ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, compiling six assists along the way.
“I am pleased with John Salmons," said Head Coach Jim O'Brien. "I think he’s a good basketball player. He can move to the point to keep the other team off balance and makes generally good decisions with the basketball. He shoots with confidence, and I like that about him.”
Notables
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