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Sixers Have to Get Back on Track
“There are a lot of things we have to do better,” said head coach Larry Brown. “We had too many turnovers again. We gave up 25 points off turnovers. We took 13 more shots than them, and I think, 10 or 12 less three point shots than them, and they shot many more free throws … We have to get to the free throw line. That sets your defense up and is usually a high-percentage shot. Then we have to do a better job defensively, especially in isolations and when we rotate out of isolations. I’m hopeful we will do that.” “It’s devastating because we did have our chance to win the game,” said forward Kenny Thomas. “I know people say we play better on the road, but home court is home court. The fans are going to help us get motivated, and we also have to come out motivated ourselves on Saturday and Sunday.” Philadelphia will have to get back on track despite several nagging injuries. Eric Snow (right foot inflammation) and Derrick Coleman (left hand swelling) sat out of Friday’s practice, while Thomas practiced to tolerance with a right heel bruise. Still, Brown does not want his team to use the injuries as an excuse in this weekend’s games – or the fact that the games will be played on consecutive days. “(Detroit has) to go through it, too,” Brown said. “It’s not the best situation in the world to have your starting point guard hurt. That’s just the way it goes. Whatever we are faced with, they are (also) faced with.” The Pistons won Game 2 without the services of Chauncey Billups, the team’s leading scorer in the postseason. Chucky Atkins, who took Billups’ spot in the starting line-up, scored 23 points. Rookie Tayshaun Prince added 20 points off the bench, including a shot at the end of regulation to extend the game. “That is how their team has played all year,” Brown said. “They have a lot of people that are capable. They are very deep. Their coach, I think, uses their bench very well. But I would hope you could say the same for us.” The 76ers will have to rely heavily on their bench this weekend, given the game-time decision status of Snow. Should he be unavailable, Allen Iverson, Aaron McKie and possibly John Salmons could figure to take over the unoccupied minutes at the point. “I’m probably 50-50 for the rest of this season if (my foot) feels like it feels right now. Unless I just get a miracle,” Snow said. “I could come in one day and say I’m playing, and I could come in the next and not be able to. It’s unfortunate, but that’s just how it’s going to be.” With or without Snow, the 76ers aim to tighten their defense. The Pistons have been successfully penetrating in the first two contests, leading to either lay-ups and short jumpers or the opportunity to kick out for an open look from long range. “I think maybe if we just cut down on the early penetration and have ourselves in help position before they make their move,” Snow said. “Maybe them reacting to us instead of us reacting to them will help a little bit.” |
According to Brown, the Sixers have a lot of things that they have to do better in the upcoming games.