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Daily Dose - 76ers In the News Archives - April 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- THAT'S ONE, NOT DONE
IF ALLEN Iverson has his way, the 76ers will come into the Wachovia Center tomorrow firmly believing they are still down 0-2.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Stern has been happy with evolution of Iverson
Doesn't it seem like only yesterday that David Stern was summoning Allen Iverson to the commissioner's office in New York, the NBA equivalent of a rebellious student being called to the principal's office?

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- It's an age-old question
IF THE NBA already had the 20-year-old age limit commissioner David Stern is aggressively pushing for the next collective bargaining agreement, the only player from the Pistons and Sixers who would have been affected is seldom-used Detroit reserve Darko Milicic.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- That's why Brown doesn't let up
Larry Brown has been doing this far too long and seen way too much to get caught up in the immediacy of anything.

5. Philadelphia Daily News -- GAME 3 RECAP
Score: 76ers 115, Pistons 104

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Rogers a surprise with key contribution for 76ers
Difficult times demand desperate measures, which explains the reintroduction of Rodney Rogers into the 76ers' rotation last night.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Bouncing Back
When sizing up the playoff series between the 76ers and Detroit Pistons, the popular theory was that Allen Iverson would will the Sixers to one victory and help his team avoid an embarrassing sweep.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- O'Brien defends his team's day off
Much has been made of the fact that the 76ers didn't practice Wednesday, one day after they lost, 99-84, to the Pistons in Detroit in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

9. Philadelphia Inquirer -- From the heart, Sixers pull it out
Logic tells you this was just one of those Game 3 victories by the scrappy underdog, a game that does nothing but save a little face and force everyone back to Detroit for a Game 5.

10. Daily Local News -- Sixers use huge fourth quarter for Game 3 victory
In front of a raucous Wachovia Center crowd, the 76ers ruined Detroit’s dreams of a sweep.

11. Daily Times -- From small changes, big results for Sixers
From the instant he became their No. 1 draft choice through the moment his retired No. 3 ascends into rafters, Allen Iverson will have thrown the 76ers into a never-ending geometry bee.

12. Trenton Times -- Iverson leads 76ers past Pistons 115-104
The very thought of Allen Iverson having a breakout game scared Larry Brown, and Iverson's former coach had good reason to worry. Iverson played one of the most efficient playoff games of his nine-year career Friday night, scoring 37 points and handing out five of his 15 assists in the fourth quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Detroit Pistons 115-104.

13. Trenton Times -- Sixers show Pistons their mettle
Put the brooms away, this is a series.

14. Trenton Times -- Sixers fans can believe again
The empty seats - almost 3,500 of them - were testimony to the non-believers in town.

15. Wilmington News Journal -- Sixers contenders once again
The dagger came with 1:33 left when Allen Iverson let the shot fly from 3-point range, the ball arcing ever so slowly toward the basket.

16. Wilmington News Journal -- Fans bask in moment as 76ers get a victory
Chris Webber turned and lifted his arms to the crowd, asking 16,907 fans at the Wachovia Center already on their feet to rise even higher.

17. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers show a lot of life, drop Pistons 115-104
Larry Brown says you're not in a playoff series until a home team loses.

18. Allentown Morning Call -- NBA players and owners are still in talks over a new CBA
David Stern had good news and bad news Friday night about the on-going talks between the NBA and its players for a new collective bargaining agreement.

19. USA Today -- Sixers finally solve Pistons, take first game in series
Allen Iverson was trying to stay with his man on defense when he slammed full-force into Rasheed Wallace and went sprawling to the floor.

20. Detroit Free Press -- Webber still just a shadow of former self
Chris Webber sauntered around the floor as the final seconds ticked away Friday night, motioning to those determined to keep him down to rise up and join in the impromptu revival unfolding at the Wachovia Center.

21. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons just shrug at can't-miss Sixers
What's the old saying? Oh, right: A playoff series doesn't start until somebody loses a home game.

22. Detroit Free Press -- PHIL 'ER UP: Pistons succumb to hot-shooting Sixers
Allen Iverson played every minute Friday night.

23. Detroit Free Press -- Philly gives ex-coach Brown chilly reception
Philly fans once cheered while Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin lay motionless on the field with a neck injury.

24. Detroit Free Press -- Rogers, bench give Sixers extra spark
After two days of hints and hesitations, Philadelphia coach Jim O'Brien shook up his rotation and went deep down his bench.

25. Detroit Free Press -- Two cents worth
Were we hallucinating or did we really see a giant rabbit wandering around the Wachovia Center? No ordinary rabbit -- it was the 76ers' mascot, Hip-Hop. Why, we don't know. Maybe that's what Iverson has hidden up that sleeve.

26. Detroit News -- Iverson, 76ers bounce back
Richard Hamilton was asked after the game Friday if the 76ers now felt they were back in the series.

Sixers Headlines - April 29, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Detroit native can tip hat to his roots
The NBA already had a salary cap. Now, the 76ers' Chris Webber has become the first current player in the league to design a cap for the 59Fifty line produced by the New Era Cap Co.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Stops would be an encouraging sign for Sixers
What has to change for the 76ers tonight? The lineup? The rotation?

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Webber: 'Series in no way is over'
Chris Webber wore his heart on his sleeve after the 76ers' loss to Detroit on Tuesday night.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Fan can't get A.I.'s goat for a quarter
ALLEN IVERSON felt an initial sense of shock, then wonderment as he first felt something hit him in the back, then heard the object as it landed on the floor of the Palace of Auburn Hills, then saw that it was a quarter.

5. Philadelphia Daily News -- Comcast SportsNet has Sixers-Pistons series covered
"Daily News Live" kicks off a weekend of Sixers-Pistons playoff coverage on Comcast SportsNet.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers hope to rebound at home
With the crowd behind them, they believe they can begin erasing their 0-2 deficit to the Pistons.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- An improved Prince bedevils the Sixers
As a rookie, he was languishing on the end of the bench. There was nothing about the regular-season performance of Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince that suggested he would be a player of postseason importance.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Iverson: Coin toss makes Detroit fans 'look bad'
Allen Iverson wasn't sure what had hit him in the back until he looked down on the floor near his seat on the 76ers bench, and saw a quarter.

9. Daily Local News -- Sixers in a comfort zone
Returning to their home court is no doubt a comfort for the 76ers. After all, the cheers will be for them and the rims are familiar.

10. Daily Local News -- Iverson: One bad apple doesn't spoil the bunch
After what happened in The Palace of Auburn Hills in November, it's understandable that the latest incident is probably getting a little more play than it might have.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Webber is still seeking comfort
Chris Webber's offensive numbers would seem to indicate that he's comfortable as a Sixer.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- A.I. puts in his two cents on coin toss
Two days after a Detroit Pistons fan allegedly threw a quarter from the stands at him and hit him in the back, Allen Iverson reserved his criticism for the man who chucked the coin at him.

13. Calkins Newspapers -- How well do you know the Sixers?
The spring semester is almost over. So is the Sixers' season. Time for a final exam on the Eastern Conference's soon-to-be-ousted seventh seed:

14. Courier Post -- One fan makes all look bad
Allen Iverson doesn't think that all Pistons fans should get a bad name for something that one person did.

15. Courier Post -- Sixers hope to dig deep, find answer
The 76ers got back to work Thursday. And there is so much work left to do.

16. Trenton Times -- Confident Sixers feel they're still alive
Just because an idiotic Detroit Pistons fan threw a quarter (which is about how long the Sixers have played well this series) at Allen Iverson in the waning stages of Game 2 Tuesday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills doesn't mean the Sixers are about to throw in the towel.

17. Wilmington News Journal -- Iverson not concerned about fan
As far as Allen Iverson is concerned, the incident involving a Pistons fan who threw a quarter at him toward the end of the 76ers' loss in Game 2, is over.

18. Reading Eagle -- Are they done? Sixers sending mixed signals
While they're trying to say the right things before tonight's critical Game 3, it seems the 76ers know the end of the season may not be far off.

19. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers have a chance if they change
Even though nothing his team has tried in the first two games has seemingly worked, don't look for 76ers coach Jim O'Brien to throw any radical changes at the Detroit Pistons in tonight's third game of their Eastern Conferense first-round playoff series at the Wachovia Center.

20. Detroit Free Press -- 'Sheed is less rash but still a Philly guy
When Rasheed Wallace plays in his hometown of Philadelphia tonight, he must do a few things.

21. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons are eager to take road test
The Pistons have been one of the NBA's best road teams in the past four years, winning 22 games away from home in the just-completed regular season.

22. Detroit Free Press -- Lemon cake lures Hamilton home
He has a championship ring from the 1999 NCAA tournament, for which he was named the most outstanding player of the Final Four with Connecticut.

23. Detroit News -- Iverson wants 76ers to start with stops
Forget analyzing the matchups or going over what went right or wrong.

24. Detroit News -- Daly reminded of glory days
He sees similarities between this year's team and the one he coached to 1990 title.

25. Detroit News --Prince struts his stuff
ESPN the Magazine layout gives forward his big break in the modeling business.

26. USA Today -- Sixers have new ways to try to stop Pistons
The Philadelphia 76ers plan to give the Detroit Pistons a different look.

Sixers Headlines - April 28, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers showing little promise
THEY ARE CAUGHT in a merciless vise, which is squeezing the remainder of the postseason out of them. They try to tell themselves there is a way out, and they seem to have trouble believing their own words.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Playoff education continues for Iguodala
After playing two games amid the ear-splitting noise in the Palace of Auburn Hills, rookie Andre Iguodala has learned quickly the importance of every possession in the playoffs.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Different ways to make points
Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace has scored fewer points in the first two playoff games against the 76ers than teammate Rasheed Wallace had in one quarter. He has made as many field goals in the two games as Sixers deep reserve Willie Green (three).

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Series is over before it's over
It was very quiet at the 76ers' practice facility yesterday morning. A few players, such as Willie Green and Samuel Dalembert, were there. The head coach was not.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Playing well is not enough
Given a day off for the second time in their opening-round Eastern Conference playoff series, the 76ers probably preferred not to look back at their first two games against the Detroit Pistons.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Coin tossed at Iverson results in Mich. warrants
A warrant was issued yesterday for the arrest of a man who allegedly threw a quarter at 76ers guard Allen Iverson late in Tuesday's 99-84 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Iverson was hit in the back with a coin that was thrown from the stands.

7. Daily Local News -- Sixers need to figure out how to push tempo
In the first two games of the NBA playoffs, the 76ers found out just how formidable the Detroit Pistons are.

8. Daily Times -- As a matter of policy, Sixers need a break
By the end of the weekend, should trends persist, the 76ers will have completed their 22nd consecutive championship-free season. For that reason alone, their practice complex was strangely, strikingly quiet Wednesday.

9. Daily Times -- Prince rising to playoff occasion
Tayshaun Prince has done it many times before, but it never gets old to Pistons fans.

10. Calkins Newspapers -- Pistons fans charged for throwing quarter at A.I.
A Detroit Pistons fan was charged Wednesday with throwing an object onto the court after Philadelphia's Allen Iverson was struck with a coin during a playoff game.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Some suggestions for the outmanned Sixers
The Sixers are frustrated and disappointed. After losing the first two games of their first-round playoff series to the Pistons by a total of 36 points, can you blame them?

12. Couier post -- Reeling 76ers seek answers
There are mediocre teams and there are great teams. The 76ers fall into the former category and the Detroit Pistons fall into the latter.

13. Trenton Times -- Sixers need to step up physical play
Four seasons ago Jim O'Brien recalls bringing his Boston Celtics, holding a commanding 2-0 lead in what was then a best-of-five first round series, into the then First Union Center for Games 3 and 4, hoping to slam the door on the Sixers.

14. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers glad to be on home court
It's not hopeless. History has proven that just because the Pistons won the first two games, albeit convincingly, the 76ers aren't out of this first-round playoff series.

15. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers are hoping that Philadelphia is where the victories are
The 76ers are hoping that waking up in their beds on game day will make a difference.

16. Reading Eagle -- Demoralized? Sixers say no
It is a danger that dripped from the Philadelphia 76ers' drooping bodies during the latter stages of Tuesday night's Game 2 defeat at Detroit.

17. Press Of Atlantic City -- Pistons beat 76ers out of the blocks Ben Wallace altering course of the Sixers players' shots
Allen Iverson received the ball at the top of the key, put it on the floor and breezed past Carlos Arroyo with one of his blinding first-step moves.

18. Detroit Free Press -- Throw the book, not the coin, at hooligans
How is it that the most accurate passers in this town are Pistons fans? Toss a beer cup -- it hits the mark right on the numbers.

19. Detroit Free Press -- Brown still sees areas to improve
Can the Pistons play any better than posting two double-digit victories over Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers?

20. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons fan the loser in coin toss
The night started innocently enough with free tickets in the upper bowl of the Palace to watch the Pistons take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

21. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons stick to game plan
Defense focuses on, frustrates Iverson. Chauncey Billups says the Pistons are "doing what we do."

22. Detroit Free Press -- Al Toby takes a closer look at the NBA playoffs
Sixer Allen Iverson's salary this season is about $14.6 million. That amounts to 58,400,000 quarters.

23. Detroit News -- Pistons won't relax
Despite continuous praise from 76ers, players realize the series has just begun.

24. Detroit News -- Pistons would do themselves a favor by ousting 76ers as soon as possible
The Pistons-76ers series is over. Not officially, of course. Only the Pistons, up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, can make it official with two victories in Philadelphia this weekend.

25. Detroit News -- Wallace sheds reputation and blossoms as a Piston
It was a notable moment, something only Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace could pull off without looking utterly foolish.

26. Detroit News -- Milicic is ready for a busy offseason
Pistons want him to be part of their summer-league team before European event.

Sixers Headlines - April 27, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- UH, WHAT'S PLAN C?
As the 76ers warm up before every game, Jim O'Brien pores over an index card that includes primary play calls for the evening and who knows what else.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Pistons tamper with success - and still win
Many of the names are the same, but, in Joe Dumars' mind, these aren't the same Detroit Pistons who won last season's NBA championship.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Playoff experience the best teacher
And so what have we learned, children?

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Pistons in total control
I don't think it's possible for 12 world-class athletes to get jet lag from a 90-minute charter flight from Philadelphia to Detroit.

5. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers-Pistons: Game 2 recap
What it means: The Sixers, seeded No. 7 in the NBA East, trail the No. 2-seeded and defending champion Pistons, 2-0, in the best-of-seven, first round of the playoffs.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers head for home down by two
Allen Iverson didn't mean to sound prophetic when he said after a 76ers practice a couple of days ago: "I know if I don't play well, then we're going to struggle... . I know I can't go out there and have a terrible game."

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- From the top, Sixers are overmatched
As Larry Brown looms larger than ever in what could possibly be a swan song to his illustrious career, Jim O'Brien retreats to the shadows, with his big, bad wolf persona, praying Allen Iverson will huff and puff and blow somebody's house down to stave off playoff elimination at the Wachovia Center.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Detroit's Rasheed Wallace: A tale of 2 halves
For the second straight game, it took Detroit's Rasheed Wallace a little time to get warmed up - 24 minutes to be precise. Clunkers in the first half. Dominance in the second half.

9. Philadelphia Inquirer -- No firepower for Sixers off bench
The Sixers' bench forged a 22-22 draw with the Pistons' reserves last night in Game 2, but the number was deceiving.

10. Daily Local News -- Sixers go down 0-2 to Pistons
In the old days, way back in 2002, the NBA's first round series consisted of five games.

11. Daily Times -- Webber still a fan of Detroit's sports teams
The other day, Rasheed Wallace was candid with reporters about his feelings for the 76ers.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- 0-2 painful
Allen Iverson was confident that if his shot wasn't falling, his teammates would pick up the slack.

13. Calkins Newspapers -- Dalembert owes plenty to Brown
At one point during Samuel Dalembert's rookie season with the Sixers, he grew frustrated with Larry Brown.

14. Courier Post -- Dalembert gets praise from former coach
Larry Brown and his staff saw a young, raw, yet very athletic shot blocker when they drafted Samuel Dalembert back in 2001 with the No. 26 pick of the first round.

15. Courier Post -- Sixers dig a deep hole
Well, if the 76ers keep this up, it'll be all over with in two more games.

16. Wilmington News Journal -- Pistons take 2-0 lead over 76ers
The pattern was hauntingly similar for the 76ers, and that was no way to beat the defending champion Detroit Pistons.

17. Wilmington News Journal -- Hamilton enjoys guarding Iverson
Chasing around 76ers star Allen Iverson is a tremendous challenge for Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton.

18. Press of Atlantic City -- Iverson Misses 17 of 24 in 76ers Loss
Allen Iverson looked at the big picture, perhaps because the one right in front of him isn't too pretty.

19. Reading Eagle -- Iverson, Sixers come up empty against Detroit
Until two years ago, first-round NBA playoff series were best-of-five affairs.

20. Reading Eagle -- Dalembert thankful for Brown's tutelage
As a bench-warming rookie three seasons ago, Samuel Dalembert often stewed silently.

21. USA Today -- Pistons silence Sixers, assume 2-0 lead in series
The Philadelphia 76ers are down 2-0 in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, and they truthfully can't identify which Piston has hurt them the most.

22. USA Today -- Trading places is traditional for NBA playoff networks
On the NBA playoffs, networks have to adjust constantly. Says Jeff Behnke, a senior vice president at TNT, which might cover as many as 52 games, "It's a maze. Every day we go through our scenarios."

23. Detroit Free Press -- Reserve power
Early in the season, Pistons coach Larry Brown would cringe every time Antonio McDyess went up for a rebound or fell to the floor.

24. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons keep shutting down stars
Allen Iverson reminds me of me, except that he's black, quick, talented and has 47 more tattoos, a thicker police file, a slightly different hairstyle and less writing ability. Actually, I'm not sure about that last part. For all I know, his diary reads like Tolstoy.

25. Detroit Free Press -- After a rough game, Brown gives Iverson a hug
As Allen Iverson left the podium after another miserable defeat Tuesday night, he ran into his old coach.

26. Detroit Free Press -- WORKING OVERTIME
It's pretty much official now: Both the Lakers' Dr. Jerry Buss and the Knicks' Isiah Thomas are courting Phil Jackson. That's Phil; he's still in a triangle.

27. Detroit Free Press -- Delfino sorry, hopes he can help
The best thing Carlos Delfino can do right now is stay quiet while the Pistons make their playoff run.

28. Detroit Free Press -- McDyess nestles into cast of castoffs
Discarded and bordering on the desperate, Antonio McDyess found basketball's Lourdes one step shy of retirement.

29. Detroit News -- Detroit smokes Philadelphia
Philadelphia kept shooting and the Pistons kept swatting.

30. Detroit News -- Pistons fever sweeps Michigan
The McCray family of Harrison Township could barely hide their excitement Tuesday at The Palace.

31. Detroit News -- Fan arrested after throwing quarter at Iverson
Police arrested a fan at The Palace on Tuesday night after he threw a quarter that hit a Philadelphia 76ers player, the first such incident since a brawl five months ago at the end of another Pistons game.

32. Detroit News -- Pistons make Iverson pay price
Allen Iverson battled Pistons reserve Carlos Arroyo for a loose ball, clawing and scratching as if his life depended on it. During the mad scramble Arroyo inadvertently kneed Iverson in the head.

Sixers Headlines - April 26, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- If history repeats, it's good news/bad news for Sixers
There is a lesson the 76ers can take from history, but it is very much a mixed message.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- ROOTING DISINTEREST
You won't ever hear Rasheed Wallace backtracking on his Philadelphia roots.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- McKie's class is in session
THE CURTAINS pulled open at the Sixers' practice facility and there he was, on one end of the floor, walking through something with Chris Webber, flailing his hands, emphasizing his point, looking very much like a coach who has studied his craft and knows his stuff.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Billups, Dumars work well with Brown
Despite coach's reputation for toughness, Pistons have learned to adjust

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Dalembert taking rebounding personally
The Detroit Pistons took control of the opening game of their playoff series against the 76ers with their offensive rebounding, and that doesn't sit well with Samuel Dalembert.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Iverson knows he must lead
Allen Iverson knows what the deal is. Simply put, if Iverson goes out on the court at the Palace of Auburn Hills tonight and has a great game, the 76ers possibly can square their opening-round Eastern Conference playoff series against the Detroit Pistons at one game apiece.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Dumars, King proud of success
"We have great ownership [that doesn't] look at things from a race standpoint, but judges the individual," the Sixers' GM says. The Pistons' GM built a winner his way.

8. Daily Local News -- Sixers regroup for Game 2 matchup
Allen Iverson spoke at length about the challenge of trying to pull off what many believe is an impossible task.

9. Daily Local News-- Confident attitude heads back to Detroit
Allen Iverson spoke at length about the challenge of trying to pull off what many believe is an impossible task.

10. Delaware County Daily Times -- Hamilton's blossomed into a star for Pistons
Once upon a time, back when he was with the 76ers, coach Larry Brown used to wonder about Richard "Rip" Hamilton.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Dream on
After Saturday's 21-point Game 1 loss to the Pistons, a reporter asked Chris Webber what makes Detroit so difficult to beat.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- Seeing Webber through a coach's eyes
On a shelf, behind a desk, in an office at a prep school not far from a street named Camelot Court, there is a trophy.

13. Courier Post -- Iverson still upbeat after Game 1 rout
Allen Iverson is putting the Sixers' playoff chances on his shoulders."I'm not naive about it," Iverson said at the Sixers practice Monday.

14. Courier Post -- Pistons guard Hamilton much more than a scorer
Detroit Pistons guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton could always score. In fact, he averaged a career-high 20 points in the 2000-01 season with the Washington Wizards. But now Hamilton has more elements to his game.

15. Trenton Times -- Sixers need to get defensive
The beauty of an NBA playoff series is you get to wipe away all the mistakes you made in the previous game and start with a clean slate. But at the same time, there's that one discouraging aspect to the whole thing, especially for the team that lost.

16. Trenton Times -- Age rule about one color - green
While it's by no means a cure-all for a greater injustice, here's a piece of information that should make pioneers like the Jackie Robinson, basketball's Earl Lloyd and hockey's Willie O'Ree somewhat proud.

17. Wilmington News Journal -- Green finds comfort at home in Detroit
You can start at the overcrowded high school in the dilapidated neighborhood with security guards on each floor, or the run-down gymnasium right across the street from a liquor store to understand how Willie Green overcame his environment and made it to the NBA.

18. Reading Eagle -- Pistons say 76ers made good trade
While Chris Webber's short time in Philadelphia has been a major struggle in the eyes of 76ers fans, the Detroit Pistons see things differently.

19. Press of Atlantic City --Playoff lessons learned
Sixers' Dalembert thrives while Korver, Iguodala struggle in postseason.

20. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers need to control pace, defend better against Pistons
Tempo, tempo, tempo. That's what the 76ers say they must control tonight at the Palace of Auburn Hills to square their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series with Detroit at a game apiece.

21. Detroit Free Press -- LESSONS LEARNED: Ghost of playoff past rears its head
Not long after the Pistons' Game 1 victory over Philadelphia, thoughts drifted to last year's Game 2 against Milwaukee. Last season, the Pistons began the playoffs with a 108-82 thumping of the Bucks.

22. Detroit Free Press -- WORKING OVERTIME
Steve Schrader takes a closer look at the NBA playoffs

23. Detroit Free Press -- SIXERS: Attacking glass is Philly's top priority
One of the lessons the Philadelphia 76ers take into tonight's Game 2 against the Pistons is how quickly a lead can disappear.

24. Detroit Free Press -- PISTONS CORNER: Wallaces give Sixers headaches
One of the neatest subplots during a playoff series is trying to figure out which Wallace is a worse headache for the opponent.

25. Detroit Free Press -- SIXERS CORNER: Philly aims to kick start fast break
It remains a mystery. How can the Philadelphia 76ers dethrone the defending champion Pistons?

26. Detroit News -- Iverson has his admirers
Pistons coach Larry Brown hopes his players don't follow his lead on this, but sometimes during games, he just can't take his eyes off of Allen Iverson.

27. Detroit News -- Passionate Pistons fans are a sign of the times
Crowd shows its support for NBA champs in simple and creative ways.

28. Canadian News -- Chirs Webber's Long Winding Road Brings Him Home for NBA Playoffs
Chris Webber closed his eyes, grinned and swayed as Anita Baker sang the U.S. anthem before the Philadelphia-Detroit NBA playoff series opener.

Sixers Headlines - April 25, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers in school of hard knocks
This was the season the NBA was supposed to go back to the future.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers find a quarter doesn't go very far
The 76ers' second chance doesn't come until tomorrow night. But they have to be careful that second chance doesn't turn into no chance.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Game 1 recap
What it means: The Sixers, seeded No. 7 in the NBA East, trail the No. 2-seeded and defending champion Pistons 1-0 in the best-of-seven, first round of the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Which team really needs the practice?
I guess we'll find out tomorrow night if it matters that the team that lost Saturday's playoff game between the Sixers and Detroit Pistons flew home to Philadelphia and took yesterday off while the winners were at their practice facility going at it for about 90 minutes.

5. Philadelphia Daily News -- Loss to Pistons ruins Webber's homecoming in Detroit
Chris Webber got his hands on roughly 75 tickets for his first-ever playoff appearance just outside the city in which he grew up.

6. Philadelphia Daily News -- Choice field on Wanamaker
Philadelphia's just reputation as a great sports town is evidenced in the tough decision soon to be made by the selection committee for the John Wanamaker Athletic Award.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Brown admits to missing Iverson
Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown probably never thought he would admit this, but he indeed misses Allen Iverson. The two had six successful but stormy seasons together with the 76ers.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers fall down on the fastbreak
They may not have the relentless speed of the Phoenix Suns when it comes to the fastbreak, but the 76ers know they are at their best when they can run off missed shots and turnovers.

9. Philadelphia Inquirer -- No pause for Pistons in precision drills
The drills were basic, but executed crisply. Players were cutting, passing, scoring. One spin move after another. There were no defenders, but plenty of instruction.

10. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Postcard from Detroit
It was a picture-perfect postcard scene, snow sticking to the grass, hanging majestically from trees. That was the picture yesterday in the area surrounding Detroit.

11. Daily Local News -- O'Brien talks tape after loss
Sixers head coach Jim O'Brien and his staff spent Sunday sorting through the film version of the wreckage from Saturday's playoff-opening wipeout against the Detroit Pistons.

12. Daily Local News -- Brown keeps on coaching
Less than 24 hours after his Pistons pounded the 76ers, Larry Brown was on the practice court putting his youngsters and deep subs through their paces.

13. Daily Local News -- Champions not yet satisfied with play
The Detroit Pistons are the defending NBA champions. Even so, and even with their relatively easy victory over the 76ers on Saturday, they weren't satisfied.

14. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers focus on basics
For one quarter on Saturday afternoon, the Sixers looked like world beaters against the defending world champion Detroit Pistons.

15. Courier Post -- Brown may be on move again after this season
Larry Brown could be anywhere next season, but you get the feeling that it won't be here coaching the Detroit Pistons.

16. Courier Post -- McDyess example of Pistons' team concept
One of the main reasons the Detroit Pistons are able to have the type of success that they do is because they have a cast of unselfish characters.

17. Courier Post -- 76ers want faster pace in Game 2
The Sixers know they can't play the Pistons in a halfcourt game. They didn't need to see it Saturday - and lose it badly - to figure that out.

18. Courier Post -- Sixers ponder about Pistons
The Sixers had plenty of time to think about what happened to them in a Game One thumping at the hands of the Pistons, as a freak snow storm grounded them on the runway for a couple of hours in Detroit.

19. Wilmington News Journal -- Brown battling Father Time
We have seen all this before, the way Pistons coach Larry Brown constantly seems poised to pack his bags and head out of town, seeking the next stop of his illustrious coaching career.

20. Wilmington News Journal -- Pistons' Wallace still respects Webber
The friendship formed during Rasheed Wallace's one season in Washington, his rookie year of 1995-96, when he and Chris Webber were teammates. It flourished over the years they were rivals, with Wallace in Portland and Webber in Sacramento.

21. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers' Game 1 loss gets mixed reviews
The 76ers got what they wanted from their marquee players in Saturday's first-round playoff opener at Detroit.

22. Reading Eagle -- Pistons say 76ers made good trade
While Chris Webber's short time in Philadelphia has been a major struggle in the eyes of 76ers fans, the Detroit Pistons see things differently.

23. Reading Eagle -- Hall of Famer Brown limps into the sunset
Larry Brown limped badly, but coached lustfully.

24. USA Today -- Iverson gets his points, but Pistons still prevail
Going into Tuesday's Game 2 of their NBA playoff series, the Philadelphia 76ers have to be concerned that the Detroit Pistons look Allen Iverson-proof.

25. Detroit Free Press -- Prince's points deepen his value
Perhaps vindication isn't the proper word when assessing the blossoming of Tayshaun Prince.

26. Detroit Free Press -- Wallace gives insight on his health, life in Detroit and his old team
It's not often Rasheed Wallace allows reporters inside his world. But he did so Sunday at practice, where the mood was light a day after the Pistons rallied from a 16-point deficit and easily beat the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

27. Detroit Free Press -- Two Cents Worth
The 76ers flew back to Philly after Game 1. They forgot to pack their winter clothes.

28. Detroit Free Press -- Korver needs to shoot
To understand part of the reason the Philadelphia 76ers trail their first-round series with the Pistons, take a look at Kyle Korver.

29. Detroit News -- Pistons stay wary of 76ers
If awareness is the first step toward prevention, then maybe the Pistons have a fighting chance of avoiding any kind of letdown in Game 2 Tuesday.

30. Detroit News -- Green goes from gym to rising gem
Willie Green remembers stepping into gymnasiums at St. Cecelia, Schoolcraft College and the University of Detroit Mercy as a fresh face looking for seasoning.

Sixers Headlines - April 24, 2005

1. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Fast start by 76ers becomes quick end
The 76ers came out rebounding, stealing, scoring, and generally running rings around the defending NBA champions. After their lead reached 16 points, someone had to be thinking, hey, this playoff stuff is easy.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Stephen A. Smith | Sixers have a prayer, but not much else
You could say the 76ers are in a world of trouble. But really, what would be the point?

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- On the NBA | Sorry seasons for this trio of teams
On the weekend that we celebrate the start of the real season in the NBA, we look at the coulda-woulda-shoulda saga of three teams that should have been among the 53.3 percent of the league playing on, but aren't, for their own special reasons:

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers Notes | Three Sixers get first playoff taste
Samuel Dalembert was a force under the boards. Andre Iguodala made an impact in the first quarter. Kyle Korver struggled and suffered an injury to his right knee.

5. Camden Courier Post -- Pistons punish 76ers
The 76ers were running the fast break, getting out in the passing lanes and getting steals, scoring a lot of points and holding the Pistons to a poor shooting percentage.

6. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers need bench to boost production
If the Sixers hope to have any success in their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, they will have to get more from their bench than they did Saturday in their 106-85 Game 1 Eastern Conference quarterfinal loss.

7. Camden Couirer Post -- CELESTE E. WHITTKAER COLUMN: Dumars knows how to build winner
The Detroit Pistons are a model for success that many NBA franchises could follow.

8. Daily Local -- After great start, things go downhill
Coming into The Palace of Auburn Hills, the 76ers knew intellectually that they had their work cut out for them.

9. Trenton Times -- Pistons beat 76ers 106-85 to open playoffs
After leading Detroit to the NBA title last year, Rasheed Wallace got the Pistons off to a fast start in postseason. Wallace scored 24 of his 29 points in the second half Saturday, helping the Pistons pull away from the Philadelphia 76ers 106-85 in the first game of the NBA playoffs.

10. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers fizzle after good start
The first quarter was nearly over Saturday, and there was 76ers center Samuel Dalembert doing his Ben Wallace impression by blocking shots and slamming home dunks at the other end.

11. Wilmingtin News Journal -- Sixers youngsters start fast, but fade
Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver and Andre Iguodala were welcomed to the NBA playoffs Saturday with a raucous, sellout crowd that never stopped cheering or waving its Thunderstix.

12. Wilmington News Journal -- Pistons' Brown still admires Iverson
Larry Brown is two years removed from the abrupt end to his reign as 76ers coach.

13. Calkins Newspapers -- Rolled by the 'Dyes
The first quarter went as well as the 76ers could have hoped Saturday afternoon.

14. Detroit News -- Pistons catch, pass 76ers
Antonio McDyess wore a big smile when he saw Rasheed Wallace walk into the locker room before Game 1 of the Pistons' first-round playoff series Saturday.

15. Detroit News -- Pistons deep-six the 76ers
It took a while, a short while. And then when it came, with a dunk here and a rebound there and more and more and more noise, it could not be stopped. Once the Pistons remembered where they were, and who they are, this one was over.

16. Detroit News -- Nervous start by Pistons turns into business as usual by finish
It ended up being a laugher. But admit it. You were scared -- at least for a couple of minutes or so.

17. Detroit News -- Pistons' defense turns game into swat meet
The Pistons threw a block party Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the 76ers, but the most spectacular block was one that didn't count.

18. Detroit News -- McDyess provides big boost off bench
The Pistons were at their lowest point, searching for a way to score and stay in their game against the 76ers on Saturday afternoon.

19. Detroit News -- Pistons' defense turns game into swat meet
The Pistons threw a block party Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the 76ers, but the most spectacular block was one that didn't count.

20. Detroit News -- Starters add finishing touches
It could have been the excitement of starting the playoffs. They could have been a little rusty after missing the last two regular-season games because of injuries.

21. Detroit News -- Iverson is truly 76ers' answer
Philadelphia guard controls the play when his team has its greatest success. Many accuse Philadelphia 76ers coach Jim O'Brien of simply turning loose Allen Iverson and letting him do his thing.

22. Detroit News -- 76ers victims of inside job
All Chris Webber could do was smile and turn away. He knew it was not his moment when Rasheed Wallace rose above him and hit a three-point shot that gave the Pistons a 94-79 lead with about six minutes remaining.

Sixers Headlines - April 23, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers know job will be tough
Beauty, they say, is only skin deep. The Detroit Pistons, they say, get under your skin.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- A form that fits
Chris Webber is excited to be back in the playoffs, excited to be playing in the postseason in front of family and friends from his home area of Detroit, even if he terms the ticket situation "crazy."

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers Notes | McKie: Iverson-Brown rifts exaggerated
Like Allen Iverson, his longtime teammate, Aaron McKie has a storeroom of memories from the 76ers' drives to the playoffs led by Larry Brown, now the coach of the Pistons.

4. Calkins Newspapers -- Now or never
Chris Webber has made more adjustments in the past two months than he did in the previous six years.

5. Camden Courier Post -- He's struggled so far, but playoffs could be his time
Now would be the perfect time for Chris Webber to play like the Chris Webber people remember.

6. Camden Courier-Post -- Sixers tough, but Pistons are tougher
Pound for pound, skinny wrist for bony knee, Allen Iverson is the toughest player in the NBA.

7. Camden Courier-Post -- Young Sixers ready for playoff pressure
Following the Sixers' win over Atlanta in their regular-season finale Wednesday, rookie guard/forward Andre Iguodala was at his locker getting dressed as reporters waited to talk with him.

8. Camden Courier-Post -- Appreciate, hey even enjoy, Iverson
The Sixers will not win the NBA title this season, again. They are an extremely long shot to even advance past the first round.

9. Daily Local -- Trio of starters ready for playoff debut vs. Pistons
When the 76ers step on the court this afternoon at The Palace of Auburn Hills, they will have an two veterans of the playoff wars surrounded by neophytes.

10. Daily Times -- Sixers Scoop/Caryl Kauffman: Webber excited to be going home
Sixers forward Chris Webber was raised in Detroit, so he's excited and apprehensive to be going home. When the Sixers take on the Pistons this afernoon in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Webber will have plenty of support on hand.

11. Daily Times -- Sixers: Pistons will pose some problems
When the 76ers step on the court this afternoon at The Palace of Auburn Hills, they will have two veterans of the playoff wars surrounded by neophytes. Allen Iverson and Chris Webber have been through this many times. They've played in the big games, faced the pressure of performing with the lights turned up bright.

12. Trenton Times -- Not surprisingly, Iverson the key in playoff series
The paths that brought the Sixers and the reigning NBA champion Detroit Pistons together to start the playoffs, beginning at 3 p.m. today at the Palace of Auburn Hills, have been bumpy.

13. AC Press -- Analysis of 76ers-Pistons playoff series
Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson, who led the NBA in scoring (30.7 ppg), is one of the league's most exciting players. His presence alone makes this a series worth watching. Another storyline for the 76ers will be Chris Webber's play. He's shown glimpses of the talent that made him a five-time All-Star, but he's also struggled.

14. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers need Webber, Iverson to jell
When 76ers general manager Billy King obtained Chris Webber in that blockbuster deal two months ago, it was done primarily to make the 76ers a better playoff team before Allen Iverson fades into the sunset.

15. Wilmington News Journal -- Mixed reviews for 76ers' O'Brien
If you judge Jim O'Brien on the fact that the 76ers won 10 more games than they did last season and that they made the playoffs, which O'Brien promised the day he was hired as coach last April, then his first season was a smashing success.

16. The Detroit News -- Pistons know the value of Rasheed Wallace
Ben Wallace didn't hesitate; he didn't even blink.

17. Associated Press -- Iverson isn't fazed about facing old coach
Allen Iverson acknowledges Detroit coach Larry Brown has coached and watched him play enough to know all his moves. He's just not worried about it.

18. Detroit Free Press -- DREW SHARP: 'Right way' doesn't catch on
Didn't the Pistons save the NBA last year? That was the spin. This was a league swerving perilously close to the cliff with its institutional selfishness. But in rode these guys with sledgehammers and lunch pails, an ode to individual sacrifice for the sake of the overall good.

19. Detroit Free Press -- Even injured, Webber gets Pistons' attention
When Pistons coach Larry Brown looks at Chris Webber, in many ways he sees Rasheed Wallace.

20. Detroit Free Press -- IFFY THE DOPESTER: Pistons, playoffs provoke prayers
Well, my hearties, that had to be the shortest spring on record. Wasn't it only Tuesday that the mercury skyrocketed to 83 degrees? Iffy knows it was because something else pretty amazing happened that day.

21. Detroit Free Press -- MICHAEL ROSENBERG: Billups serves as mayor of NBA, minister of team's spirit
Tell us, Chauncey Billups. Who should be favored to win the NBA title? If you have to ask, well, shame on you.

22. Detroit Free Press -- Angry Delfino disses Brown en español
Rookie Carlos Delfino has told reporters in his native Argentina that he is done with Larry Brown and done with the Pistons.

23. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons like role of unsung defending champions
The Pistons' playoff media guide carries the theme of The Defenders. Defenders of the NBA crown. Defenders of the team's blue-collar reputation. Defenders, period.

24. Detroit Free Press -- Two cents' worth
Now Carlos Delfino -- the best 13th man in the league-- goes off on Larry Brown? That means he's been ripped in yet another language. Oops, no ... we forgot the Spanish coach at the Olympics.

25. Detroit Free Press -- What brawl? Playoffs are back
Today begins a chance to replace the memory of the most infamous plastic cup in metro Detroit with a trophy.

26. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons vs. 76ers scouting report
Sports writer Perry A. Farrell analyzes the matchups between the Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers.

Sixers Headlines - April 22, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers vs. LB: It's a year too late
Not that it isn't good just to have the 76ers back in the playoffs no matter what team they're playing - but this first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons would have been a lot more intriguing a year ago.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- What our guys have to say
The 76ers finished the season with eight victories in their last 10 games, a nice run.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Scouting Report
The 76ers did everything but place a bid on eBay for a ticket to the NBA dance.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Weave It To Webber
As you listened to Chris Webber respond to questions yesterday, there were alternating strands of optimism, disappointment, puzzlement and even moments of fascination as he reached for answers he either didn't fully have or didn't want to provide in exacting detail.

5. Philadelphia Daily News-- What to expect when you look West
WESTERN CONFERENCE: (1) Phoenix (62-20) vs. (8) Memphis (45-37)

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- 76ers Notes
If there is one thing that 76ers coach Jim O'Brien respects while he prepares his team for Detroit, it is the Pistons' balance, which creates matchup problems.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Man at Work
Larry Brown did his best yesterday to downplay the reunion angle.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Iverson: Knowing him not same as stopping him
Allen Iverson will play in his 58th career playoff game tomorrow. His coach for each of the previous 57 was Larry Brown, who will be pacing in front of the bench of the Detroit Pistons thinking up ways to stop his former protégé.

9. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixteen players who could steal the spotlight
The best eight weeks of the year begin tomorrow.

10. Philadelphia Inquirer -- EASTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit (2) vs. 76ers (7)

11. Philadelphia Inquirer -- WESTERN CONFERENCE
Phoenix (1) vs. Memphis (8)

12. Daily Local News -- Webber key to Sixers' bid for 1st-round upset
Heading into this season, Chris Webber set goals for himself and thought he was well on the way to achieving them.

13. Daily Times -- Playoff experience will benefit 76ers
The photo of the NBA's Eastern Conference finish line was developed and posted, and there were the 76ers, their strong final strides leaving them in the playoffs by a neck.

14. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers face tough task in getting past Pistons
Allen Iverson knows the score. He realizes that the Pistons are a deep, tough, experienced team. They are also the defending NBA champions.

15. Courier Post -- 2 Sixers make homecoming
The Sixers' Chris Webber and Willie Green will get to play in front of plenty of friends and family on Saturday night in Detroit in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

16. Courier Post -- A.I. downplays matchup
Sixers guard Allen Iverson won't admit that there is any extra incentive in facing the Detroit Pistons and ex-Sixers coach Larry Brown in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

17. Trenton Times -- Iverson, Sixers optimistic about Pistons
Allen Iverson says it doesn't matter that Larry Brown knows him, knows his game, his strengths and especially his weaknesses like no other, having coached him for so long.

18. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers look to dethrone champions
Allen Iverson was listing all of the attributes about the Detroit Pistons.

19. Press of Atlantic City -- Sixers' Webber hoping to erase post-trade blues
Chris Webber, once again a significant contributor to the Sacramento Kings' offense, was feeling pretty good about his game at the All-Star break.

20. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers hope young guns are ready
Kyle Korver can't wait for the playoffs to start.

21. Allentown Morning Call -- When Iverson's gone, A.I. will still be the answer
Slowly, subtly, the 76ers are becoming Andre Iguodala's team.

22. Detroit Free Press -- Iverson puts bump in the road
They will line up against one of the greatest offensive forces in the NBA and try to keep him from killing their team.

23. Detroit Free Press-- Milicic makes playoff roster; Delfino left off
Darko Milicic made the playoff roster. But to those who hope to see him actually play, well, good waiting.

24. Detroit News -- Defiant Pistons take aim
The television camera zoomed in on Chauncey Billups' face, seconds after he clinched the Pistons' third Central Division title in four years, beating the Bulls in Chicago with a jump shot in the final seconds of overtime.

25. Detroit News -- Fab 5! Starters carry Pistons
Larry Brown has never doubted the talent, toughness and versatility of his starting five.

Sixers Headlines - April 21, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- New Blood, Old Veins
THE 76ERS BEGAN their 110-86, season-ending victory over Atlanta knowing they were going to the playoffs. Didn't know who they would face. Didn't know which day the best-of-seven series would start.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- The great unknown
FOR KYLE KORVER, the night really did begin as a riddle wrapped in an enigma.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Iguodala, Korver enjoy playing them all
Andre Iguodala doesn't whistle while he works, but it's close. He is the only 76er who started every game this season. He has been among the NBA's rookie leaders in a handful of categories, has been in the top 10 overall in average steals, total steals and steals per turnover.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Our guy guessed right on wins
On the day the Sixers opened the season, Daily News Sixers beat writer Phil Jasner predicted the team would win 43 games. After last night's victory, that's exactly how many they have at the end of the regular season.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Webber sits
The 76ers kept forward Chris Webber out of the lineup last night as a precautionary measure. His surgically repaired left knee had swelled up after yesterday's shoot-around.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- 76ers win, face Pistons in playoffs
The 76ers closed out the regular season last night by staying on the run that got them into the playoffs. Now they hope they can carry their momentum into the postseason.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Hawks have hopes, but not for 2005
After a year's hiatus, the 76ers have returned to the NBA playoffs. And while few expect any team in the Eastern Conference to offer resistance to Miami and Detroit, the fact that there is postseason basketball in Philadelphia this year should not be overlooked.

8. Daily Local News -- Sixers stay in seventh despite win
The Atlanta Hawks put up no resistance Wednesday night, and the 76ers quickly rolled to a 110-86 win.

9. Daily Local News -- Dalembert feels underdeveloped
Sixers center Samuel Dalembert is heading into his first NBA postseason. And while he's excited about the opportunity, he's also aware that he's not as ready as he might have been.

10. Calkins Newspapers -- Start your engines
The Sixers' regular-season finale was over almost before it began. Just 4 1/2 minutes into Wednesday night's game, the Sixers owned a 17-point lead over the hapless Atlanta Hawks on the way to a 110-86 pasting of the league's worst team.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Dalembert irked by O'Brien
Samuel Dalembert may be the starting center for the playoff-bound Sixers, but he isn't thrilled with what he perceives as his lack of development in his fourth NBA season.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- For one night, Sixers channel surf
This has happened once before to Jim O'Brien, when the last day of the NBA regular season turned into something strange and surreal.

13. Courier Post -- O'Brien a success in first season
Say this for Jim O'Brien, if nothing else - he delivered what he promised. He said the Sixers would play an up-tempo offense with the ball in Allen Iverson's hands, and they surely have.

14. Courier Post -- Dalembert makes progress but has room for improvement
Samuel Dalembert knows that he's a work in progress, but the Sixers' starting center feels he could've developed at a faster rate this season had he been given consistent minutes, particularly early on.

15. Courier Post -- Win leads to seventh seed
It went down to the final day, but it's been decided now. The 76ers will face ex-Sixers coach Larry Brown and his Detroit Pistons in a first-round playoff matchup, beginning Saturday afternoon in Detroit.

16. Trenton Times -- Sixers' long season worth it
If the baseball season is a marathon not a sprint, as everyone in that sport will remind questioners every chance they get, the NBA season has to be at least a 10-K run. Or, more fittingly perhaps, a steeplechase.

17. Trenton Times -- Sixers taking momentum to Detroit
With 82 games in the books - and a 43-39 record after routing the lowly Atlanta Hawks, 110-86, last night - the Sixers' playoff fate was reduced to watching television.

18. Express Times -- Sixers pick toughest road to Finals
Since the 76ers won't be happy unless they at least get to the NBA Finals, what they've been saying all along about how it won't matter who they face in the first round of the playoffs had better still be true.

19. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers to play Detroit in playoffs
It took about five minutes for the 76ers to know that they weren't going to play top- seed Miami in the first round of the playoffs.

20. Wilmington News Journal -- Dalembert criticizes O'Brien
Samuel Dalembert said his development was slowed, that he didn't like the "mind games" 76ers coach Jim O'Brien played on him early in the season, and that he didn't get the one-on-one coaching that he needed.

21. Wilmington News Journal -- Time for Capt. Iverson to earn his stripes
Allen Iverson is captain of the 76ers. This is his chance to prove he deserves that honor.

22. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers end season on high note
An hour before the game, Jim O'Brien was asked whether, with an eye on the playoffs, he considered resting Allen Iverson in Wednesday night's season finale with Atlanta.

23. Atlanta Journal Constitution -- Focused Philly has motivation
With Eastern Conference playoff positioning on the line. the Philadelphia 76ers took the floor against the Hawks at the Wachovia Center on Wednesday night in postseason form, with NBA scoring leader Allen Iverson leading the way.

24. Detroit Free Press -- Pistons lose finale, face Sixers next
The expansion Bobcats will move into a swanky new building next year, but they finished their run at the Charlotte Coliseum in grand fashion, beating the defending NBA champions in the season finale, 97-86, Wednesday night before a crowd of 18,014.

25. The Detroit News -- Sixers have no fear of champs
Kyle Korver openly rooted for Chicago. Josh Davis was flipping channels trying to locate ESPN. Marc Jackson insisted Philadelphia could beat any team.

Sixers Headlines - April 20, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- A.I.'s legend began long ago
WHO KNEW? Who really could say they knew that the wiry kid from Hampton, Va., would evolve into an NBA phenomenon? Who really could say they saw four scoring titles in him, not to mention an MVP award and a popularity that, for nine seasons with the 76ers, has been unprecedented and unmatched?

2. Philadelphia Inquirer-- Playoffs? A.I. gets majority of credit
The 76ers' star, who is on the verge of winning his fourth scoring title, has been indispensable.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- All-star connoisseur
The Sixers' history-minded Chris Webber keeps building his own hall of fame - a collection of African American art and artifacts.

4. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers can't wait for playoffs
Kyle Korver remembers it well. Growing up in Southern California and Iowa, he loved watching the NBA playoffs on television. "Boston, the Lakers, the Pistons - all those teams," Korver said. "To finally be a part of all that is real special. I don't want to blow it up too much in my head because you don't want to overwhelm yourself. You've just got to approach it like another game, although I don't know if that's really possible. I'm obviously very excited."

5. Delco Times -- Sixers: It's a well-deserved day off
On the sixth day, the 76ers rested. After playing four games in five nights, and winning three of four to clinch a playoff berth, the 76ers took Tuesday off. As they pondered the road that got them back to the postseason after a one-year absence, there are no doubt any number of games they can second-guess.

6. Delco Times -- Jack McCaffery: O'Brien was ideal coach for the 76ers
He rode out a late-season franchise personnel sea change and coached the 76ers into the playoffs. His patience and confidence in his first-round draft choice helped Andre Iguodala surface as one of the NBA's top rookies -- if not its most entertaining players.

7. Courier Post -- Playoff season making 76ers forget about 2004
Back in October at the Sixers' training camp at Duke University, there was plenty of talk about the disappointment of last season, which ended without a playoff appearance.

8. Press of Atlantic City -- Good finish saves Sixers
Only an optimist would have called the Philadelphia 76ers a playoff team at the All-Star break. The Sixers were 26-27. They were mediocre defensively, at best, by allowing almost 100 points a game despite hiring a coach in Jim O'Brien who preached defense.

9. Wilmington News Journal -- Playoffs help young Sixers develop
The 76ers had no choice but to make the playoffs this season. The playoffs are the best way to develop young players like Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver and Willie Green, and it is the best way the team can benefit from not having a first-round draft choice in June.

Sixers Headlines - April 19, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- No stopping them this time
Needing A victory to secure a return to the playoffs after a 1-year hiatus, the Sixers couldn't have picked a better opponent than the Milwaukee Bucks.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- First goal met: Playoff berth
It was as if somebody finally remembered to dial up Mapquest on the Internet and locate a route to the playoffs. But these, remember, are the 76ers. No matter the question, the answer is rarely immediately definitive.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Looks aside, Korver gets job done
He looked comfortable. He got results, draining seven of 13 shots in the 76ers' 122-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last night.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- A happier year: Less turmoil, higher hopes lead to relief and joy.
The Milwaukee Bucks were the perfect opponents for the 76ers last night, and not just because they represented an easy win to clinch a playoff berth.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers Notes
The Milwaukee Bucks have been out of the playoff race for a while now, yet coach Terry Porter still winces at the term spoiler.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers clinch with rout of Bucks
The 76ers strained and struggled until the next-to-last game of the regular season.

7. Daily Local News -- Philadelphia secures spot in playoffs
The 76ers locked up a playoff berth Monday night, but they still don't know which one.

8. Calkins Newspapers -- Clincher
Allen Iverson called the 2004 offseason "hell."

9. Calkins Newspapers -- The Bucks stop here
Don't use the word "spoiler" around Bucks coach Terry Porter.

10. Courier Post -- 76ers playoff bound
The playoffs are a certainty for the 76ers, although their opponent still is up in the air.

11. Trenton Times -- Sixers win, returning to playoffs
This always was first on the agenda.

12. Trenton Times -- Playoffs offer second chance for prognosticators
OK, class, it's time to see just how smart you were this season.

13. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers nail down playoff spot
The outpouring of emotion was a bit surprising for a 76ers team that qualified for the playoffs in the second-to-last game of the season, with a record that would hardly send shivers throughout the elite teams in the NBA.

14. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers secure playoff berth
A year ago Kyle Korver joined a team that had made five straight trips to the postseason.

15. Allentown Morning Call -- Iverson has made sure that the Sixers have gotten to the main event
The Sixers are still standing, perhaps because Allen Iverson seldom does.

16. Reading Eagle -- 76ers finally end journey by clinching playoff berth
Philadelphia easily downs Milwaukee to wrap up a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, a feat that came none too easily in this inconsistent season.

17. USA Today -- 76ers trap Bucks 122-106, clinch playoff spot
Just when Allen Iverson put some controversy behind him, a familiar face could be peeking around the postseason corner ready to stir up some mixed feelings.

18. ESPN.com -- Reward only the top two division winners
It's just a onetime fluke, right? That's the general perception of the possibility that the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed, the Boston Celtics, could end up without home-court advantage in the first round.

19. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -- Still unable to find answer for Iverson
Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason stood at the bench with hands on hips, a towel draped over his shoulders and a disgusted look on his face as the final second tickets off the clock on the Bucks' 122-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Monday night at the Wachovia Center.

20. Atlanta Journal Constitution -- Hawks avoid joining 70-loss club
Mike Woodson was hoping his team had learned its lesson sometime during Saturday night's deflating loss to the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena.

Sixers Headlines - April 18, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Don't blame A.I. for lack of a title
When the final chapter is written, the 76ers probably will not have won an NBA championship with Allen Iverson.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Vinning Attitude
Not that there would have been a champagne celebration if the 76ers had not only clinched a playoff berth but the No. 7 seed in the NBA East with a victory, but they inexplicably allowed the New Jersey Nets to put a cork in it.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- No answers for Iverson
Allen Iverson has been through autograph sessions when he wasn't so surrounded.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Iverson valuable to O'Brien
Jim O'Brien hasn't heard much talk about Allen Iverson's being a contender for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award this season.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers fail to wrap up playoff spot
They fell behind early, never recovered, and were overwhelmed by the Nets.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Nets' Carter shows Webber how to play transition game
Some players take longer to get accustomed to new surroundings, as the 76ers have witnessed with Chris Webber.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Chance to advance is frittered away
The last good hope for the 76ers this season - their off-balance shot at the sixth seed in the conference playoffs - blew out the window and drifted away last night.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Who's Hot
Allen Iverson. When the 76ers needed victories to stay in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Iverson did his part to make sure it happened.

9. Daily Local News -- Sixers fail to clinch playoff spot with loss
The Philadelphia 76ers are not yet a playoff team.

10. Daily Local News -- Despite loss, A.I. still in MVP talks
The votes are in. Well, at least the votes from inside the Continental Airlines Arena.

11. The Daily Times -- Carter helps swamp 76ers in Jersey playoffs
Hold off on buying those playoff tickets.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- Still in the driver's seat
It's not too often the Sixers shoot more than 60 percent in the first quarter.

13. Calkins Newspapers -- Iverson maintains strength, energy
Sixers coach Jim O'Brien thought there might be some cause for concern with all the basketball Allen Iverson played last summer, including, specifically, his time playing for the U.S. Olympic team.

14. Courier Post -- Kidd is Iverson admirer
New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd marvels at the level Sixers point guard Allen Iverson has played at this season, particularly lately.

15. Courier Post -- Team again fades in one big game
Sixers coach Jim O'Brien's postgame address to his team was short; he was in front of his charges only a little longer than the Sixers were in Sunday's game against the Nets.

16. Courier Post -- It's not playoff time yet
Sixers guard Allen Iverson expected his team to bring its best game Sunday evening against the Nets.

17. Trenton Times -- Nets pummel Sixers
That's one down, two to go.

18. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers miss chance to clinch playoffs
The 76ers noticed the difference right away.

19. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers, Nets learn to adjust for stars
The 76ers didn't need to look any farther than their opponent in the New Jersey Nets on Sunday night to understand the difficulties of trading for a star player, then adjusting to him.

20. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers must wait to clinch
Jim O'Brien believes the 76ers were ready to play Sunday night.

21. Reading Eagle -- After Sixers' loss to Nets, playoff picture still murky
The Philadelphia 76ers not only could have clinched a playoff spot Sunday.

22. USA Today -- Nets keep 76ers from clinching a playoff berth
After a season-long struggle, Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets took control of their playoff destiny heading into the final week of the season. Kidd posted his 67th career triple-double and the Nets put themselves in prime position to earn a playoff berth with a 104-83 win over Philadelphia on Sunday that prevented the 76ers' from clinching a postseason spot.

23. ESPN.com -- Point guard back after spinal surgery
Milwaukee Bucks point guard T.J. Ford shot baskets with his doctor's permission Saturday for the first time since bruising his spinal cord almost 14 months ago.

24. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -- Iverson gets another shot
Considering what Allen Iverson has done to the Milwaukee Bucks this season, coach Terry Porter resorted to some wishful thinking as he looked ahead to his team's game tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center.

Sixers Headlines - April 17, 2005

1. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Games keep coming as Sixers aim for playoffs
The grind of the final days of the NBA season is unrelenting. For the 76ers, that has meant little time to celebrate the critical victories they achieved Thursday and Friday.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Stephen A. Smith | Let's pause, then praise Jim O'Brien
The labels have come in more flurries than wins.

3. Camden Courier-Post: CELESTE E. WHITTAKER COLUMN: Sixers rise to the occasion
You've got to give the Sixers credit.

4. Delaware County Daily Times: Sixers Scoop: The Suns are rising thanks to MVP Nash
Less than a week remains in the NBA’s regular season, which means it’s once again time to look at this season’s best performers.

5. Trenton Times -- Win over Nets would put Sixers in playoffs
"Win - and we're in."

6. Wilmington News Journal -- O'Brien credits mental toughness
For the past two weeks, 76ers coach Jim O'Brien has marveled at the mental toughness his team has displayed.

7. New York Times -- Nets Have a Big Opportunity to Help Themselves
One day after he quieted his detractors north of the border by scoring 39 points in his first game at Toronto since the Nets obtained him from the Raptors in December, Vince Carter said he was ready to move on.

8. New York Post -- BALL'S IN NETS' HANDS
For several weeks, the Nets have pointed to today as the time when the schedule could decide their playoff fate.

9. Bergen Record -- Nets know what to do
Three games, starting with tonight's enormous contest against the 76ers, are all that's left between the playoffs and vacation for the Nets.

10. Asbury Park Press -- Iverson deserves something
He won't win the Most Valuable Player award with Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Nash battling it out, and he won't even be thought of for Most Improved Player because you don't give that award to former MVPs.

11. Asbury Park Press -- Nets need to win final three games
At the moment, the Philadelphia 76ers are no longer the Nets' first line of attack.

Sixers Headlines - April 16, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Iverson kicks into overdrive
In the NBA, the race doesn't always go to the quickest or strongest or deepest, but to the most resilient.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Pushing for the Playoffs
He's the Energizer Bunny in baggy shorts, wearing out the opponents who have to keep up with him and amazing coaches and teammates with his endless stamina.

3. Daily Local News -- Stars come through for Sixers
The odds should have been stacked against the 76ers.

4. Daily Local News -- Carlisle;s coaching job among NBA's best
A week ago, Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh sent an e-mail to writers around the NBA asking them to consider Indiana coach Rick Carlisle for Coach of the Year honors.

5. Trenton Times -- Iverson puts the Sixers on verge of playoffs
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had hoped Sixers guard Allen Iverson would be worn out.

6. Wilmington News Journal -- Iverson's 43 points lift 76ers
If Allen Iverson was tired after playing 53 minutes against Miami, it didn't show against the Indiana Pacers.

7. Indianapolis Star -- Pacers lose comfort zone
Reggie Miller has curled off screens, caught the ball and knocked down big 3-pointers with a hand in his face throughout his 18-year career.

8. Johnson County Daily Journal -- Playoff spots shuffled
The Indiana Pacers had no answer for The Answer.

9. Newark Star-Ledger -- Carter has last laugh as Nets win
In the end, there was Vince Carter, proud owner of a defensive rebound, smiling broadly, dribbling out the clock as the last echoes of the boos faded away inside the Air Canada Centre.

10. Newark Star-Ledger -- Kidd stands up to defend Carter against jeering
There are reunion games, and then there is what Carter had to go through last night, when he led the Nets to a 101-90 victory over the Raptors.

11. Bergen Record -- Carter Flight
Some fans wore bibs with Vince Carter's No. 15 on them, sponsored by a local sports radio station. Many carried signs that ranged from amusing to malicious, from "Vin-Sissy," to "Wimp-sanity," to "Half Man, Half Effort," to "Vince is fragile. Handle with care."

12. New York Post -- Welcome Back Carter
Yesterday morning, nearly a dozen TV cameras caught every word for posterity, or at least the 6 p.m. newscast.

Sixers Headlines - April 15, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Sixers' heart gives them life
Win over Heat a boost in playoff hunt, but they can't let up.

2. Philadelphia Daily News-- COOL!
There is a line below the No. 8 team in the NBA's conference standings. Below that line is a restricted area, a place no team above wants to go.

3. Philadelphia Daily News-- Knicks' win over Cavs helps Sixers
A promising season has turned into something else for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Panic.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers don't take the easiest of roads
They are a confounding group, by far the city's most compelling soap opera outside of the adventures of Terrell Owens.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Shaq back, but Heat being careful
Shaquille O'Neal returned to the Miami Heat lineup last night after missing three games because of a stomach virus. Heat coach Stan Van Gundy talked about playing O'Neal in shorter spurts against the 76ers because of possible fatigue.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Special Delivery
Watching their season just about hanging in the balance, the 76ers took the Miami Heat to the wire and into overtime last night and pulled out arguably their biggest victory of the season

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- In regular season, a playoff look
Just in case it doesn't happen, in case the 76ers still stumble and fall behind the Nets for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, this is what the playoffs would look like.

8. Daily Local News -- Sixers outlast Heat
Walking onto the floor at the Wachovia Center on Thursday night, Allen Iverson knew it was a big game.

9. The Delaware County Daily Times -- The Sixers Scoop
With the Miami Heat in town Thursday night, it was perhaps only natural that thoughts turn to a possible first-round playoff matchup.

10. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers take the Heat
It's been seven years, but Chris Webber knows what it's like to be part of a down-to-the-wire playoff race.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Is it the beginning or the end?
It began, really, as the definition of mercy, Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat seeming bound and determined to tell the Sixers something Thursday night.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- La Salle's Butler hones game with Heat
Rasual Butler is enjoying himself in Miami. Why wouldn't he?

13. Trenton Times -- Sixers top Heat in OT
If this was a preview of what might be to come in the first round of the playoffs should the Sixers collide with the Miami Heat, then bring it on!

14. The Express-Times -- 76ers still full of high hopes
Allen Iverson may not have phrased the statement exactly the way he meant it, but everybody understood the 76ers guard when he said Wednesday of the remaining contests on his team's schedule that "we know the severity of these games."

15. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers get crucial win
The playoffs came to the Wachovia Center a week early, with the crowd hanging on every shot, and the 76ers playing as if their entire season depended on it.

16. Press of Atlantic City -- Sixers can take the Heat Iverson scores 38 as Philadelphia moves up to 7th spot in the East
Everybody from Allen Iverson to Jim O'Brien tried to say that the 76ers' 126-119 win in overtime over the Miami Heat on Thursday felt like a playoff game.

17. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers go overtime to beat the Heat
Just 48 hours earlier, after letting a win over Boston slip away, the 76ers were answering questions about whether they would be able to simply hang onto the final playoff berth.

18. Allentown Morning Call -- Trading Iverson is one answer, but is it a good one?
A possible preview of coming attractions came early in the first quarter of Thursday's Heat-Sixers game: Shaquille O'Neal rooted on the left block, ball in hand, with the Sixers' Samuel Dalembert and Kyle Korver lurking.

19. Charlotte Observer -- Pacers overcome obstacles in playoff path
Suspensions and injuries threatened to derail every goal the Indiana Pacers set this season.

20. Indiana Star -- No time to rest for Pacers
Its playoff spot secure, Indiana has work to do to get home edge.

21. Indiana Star -- 7 points, 22 seconds? Must be Reggie
Maybe Reggie Miller's age is catching up to him.

22. Indiana Star -- Playoff tickets on sale
Tickets for the Indiana Pacers' first two home playoff games go on sale at 7 a.m. today at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office.

23. Sun-Sentinel -- 76ers overcome Shaq's return, Wade's 48 points
The Heat could be back here next weekend for the playoffs, and the plan by then is to have center Shaquille O'Neal back to the form that had him lead the Heat to the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

24. Sun-Sentinel -- Getting healthy a top concern
With a little more than a week until the playoffs, Heat coach Stan Van Gundy has a long checklist of concerns for his team.

25. Miami Herald -- Wade's 48 can't end skid
Despite the fact Dwyane Wade's career-high 48 points went to waste, despite the fact Stan Van Gundy was fuming mad afterward, and despite the fact the Heat sustained its first three-game skid of the season with the playoffs around the corner, the team might have done itself a favor Thursday night.

26. Miami Herald -- Playoff roster set?
With less than a week left in the regular season, the Heat's playoff roster picture is beginning to look pretty clear.

Sixers Headlines - April 14, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Caught in a web of frustration
IF THERE IS a code that Chris Webber lives by as an athlete, its two principal tenets would be these: A competitor competes, and an explanation is nothing more than an excuse wrapped in a fancy bow.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Webber staying upbeat; now Shaq and Heat visit
The mantra that Chris Webber keeps repeating to himself is "accentuate the positive."

3. Daily Local News -- Webber's return a little rocky for Sixers as Heat, Shaq loom
Chris Webber returned to the 76ers' lineup Tuesday night and he did not look good.

4. The Delaware County Daily Times -- 76ers season is over if Webber stays bad
He looks like Chris Webber, the chronic NBA All-Star, one of the finest forwards of his pro basketball era. His 76ers uniform -- No. 4 -- does read "Webber" on the back.

5. Calkins Newspapers -- Clock ticking for Sixers
Chris Webber wants to help. After Wednesday's practice, Webber passed along a few suggestions to Samuel Dalembert about defending Shaquille O'Neal tonight.

6. Camden Courier Post -- Webber tries to find niche in Philly
Chris Webber hasn't had an easy time of it since joining the 76ers on Feb. 23 in a trade with Sacramento.

7. Wilmington News Journal -- Webber in lineup crucial for the 76ers
Chris Webber will be in the starting lineup tonight against Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat, and it is up to the 76ers to find a way to win with him on the court.

8. Sun Sentinel -- Shaq set to return tonight
Still weakened from inactivity due to a stomach virus, Shaquille O'Neal returns to the Heat lineup tonight at Philadelphia.

9. Miami Herald -- Shaq ready to return
Shaquille O'Neal expects to start tonight but stressed the long-term: getting to full strength for the playoffs.

10. Miami Herald -- No Heat fever without Shaq
Shaquille O'Neal spoke for the first time Wednesday about his past week of misery in the bathroom and in bed.

11. Palm Beach Post -- O'Neal returns to lineup
Another sign that Shaquille O'Neal is getting back to his old self: His sense of humor is returning.

Sixers Headlines - April 13, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- A foul taste in Sixers' mouths
The season was a hanging chad. Win, and the final five games of the season become a dramatic sprint for the Atlantic Division championship and the accompanying No. 3 playoff seed.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Another hand injury benches Celtics' West
"This," Delonte West said, holding up his left hand, "is very minor."

3. Philadelphia Daily News-- Game a throwback to monstrous rivalry of the past
To most sports fans around the country, the Green Monster means the leftfield wall at Fenway Park.

4. Philadelphia Daily News -- Boos ring out for Webber's quiet game
It was billed as a big game, the kind of game this franchise hasn't exactly offered up over the last couple of Aprils. The 76ers and Celtics, battling for first place and a higher seed, just like the old days.

5. Philadelphia Daily News -- Has A.I. really helped?
Willie Green, in a rare sighting, drops in 20 points and makes a great defensive play and the Sixers win in Washington on Saturday night.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers let a big one get away
It wasn't good enough that the 76ers already had defeated the Boston Celtics three times earlier in the season.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Webber willing; he didn't look able
There were times Chris Webber looked like the Tin Man before Dorothy oiled his rusted, creaky joints.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers Notes
The 76ers welcomed back their two superstars, Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, to the lineup last night for their Atlantic Division showdown against the Boston Celtics.

9. Daily Local News -- Sixers lose ground on Celtics
The chase for the Atlantic Division title is all but over.

10. The Daily Times -- Without Allen, Sixers would not be Greener
Two distinct bursts of applause -- audible, even above the constant artificial noise the NBA feels necessary for the total entertainment experience -- punctuated the first half of the Sixers' game Tuesday night against the Celtics.

11. The Daily Times -- As team heals, Green heads back to the bench
A few days after playing 38 minutes in Washington, Willie Green was back to being a supplemental player. The good news for the Sixers -- that Allen Iverson and Chris Webber were back in the lineup -- wasn't necessarily the best news for Green.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- One that got away
As losses go, Tuesday night's was a crusher.

13. Calkins Newspapers -- Philadelphia still in West's future
Delonte West will eventually play professional basketball in Philadelphia.

14. Trenton Times -- Opportunity missed
With all the pieces in place to make their move in the Atlantic Division race, the Sixers instead fell flat last night.

15. Trenton Times -- Barbecues are kept on hold
The playoff party tents are in place, lining the concourses leading to the Wachovia Center entrances.

16. The Express Times -- Webber subtraction by addition
The conclusion is painfully obvious. Not only is Chris Webber a broken-down shell of the superstar he once was, but his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, is better without him.

17. Wilmington News Journal -- Sixers' division dreams dashed
The 76ers' chance to win the Atlantic Division is all but over now, gone in a torrent of Celtics free throws and clutch shots down the stretch.

18. Wilmington News Journal -- Inconsistency is 76ers calling card
This 76ers team can be maddening to follow, because you never know what to expect, game to game, quarter to quarter, even minute to minute.

19. Wilmington News Journal -- Green says free agency 'interesting'
A loud roar emanated from the Wachovia Center late in the first quarter Tuesday when Willie Green entered the game, even though Allen Iverson was on the court.

20. The Morning Call -- Sixers' shot at division is gone
The Atlantic Division title was there for the taking. But the 76ers haven't made things easy for themselves so far this season. Why start now?

21. Sun Sentinel -- Heat's Van Gundy accents the positive; Shaq practices
Miami · Shaq is back, and now Heat coach Stan Van Gundy wants everyone to know the Heat hasn't gone anywhere.

22. Miami Herald -- Recent skid just fine with Heat
Losing two games in a row didn't shake the Heat's confidence. The sight of a slightly weakened Shaquille O'Neal in practice Tuesday didn't inject any doubt.

23. Miami Herald -- Laettner practices
Heat forward Christian Laettner, whose absence has created problems in Miami's rotation since he was sidelined with a foot injury in late March, returned to practice Tuesday.

24. Miami Herald -- Shaq being absent was both seen and heard
Shaquille O'Neal and his recalcitrant stomach returned to work Tuesday, after a virus of the gastronomic type had sidelined the Heat's one-man solar system the previous nine days.

25. Palm Beach Post -- Van Gundy defends slump
There have been many occasions this season when Heat coach Stan Van Gundy has cautioned his players and the media not to get too high on the team's success. Tuesday he offered the opposite message.

26. USA Today -- NBA arenas: Fantastic or not?
The arena lights dimmed, signaling the start of player introductions for another NBA game - this one between the Houston Rockets and hometown Denver Nuggets.

Sixers Headlines - April 12, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Ins and outs of Sixers' situation
WITH SIX GAMES to go in the NBA regular season, the 76ers don't know whether they're in or out.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Old rivalry has new life as Celtics return to town
Russell and Bird are gone, but a game that matters is back.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- For A.I., Thumb Will Rule
For Allen Iverson, it was difficult to decide what was more painful the last time the 76ers played - his sprained right thumb or the fact that he had to watch his team while sitting on the bench in street clothes.

4. Daily Local News -- Iverson a thumbs down against Celtics?
Allen Iverson didn't rule out playing tonight when the 76ers take on Boston in a nationally televised game (7 p.m., ESPN2), but he didn't sound optimistic either.

5. Calkins Newspapers --Iverson, Webber doubtful
The Sixers enter their most important game/week of the season unsure if stars Allen Iverson and Chris Webber will be able to play.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- It's time to trade Iverson
He would never do it. That's what everyone assumes when it comes to Billy King and the one move he could make to turn the Sixers into something more than what they are now - a possible playoff team.

7. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers' stars likely to sit tonight
If the 76ers can get the same type of collective effort in tonight's game against Boston that they got in Saturday's win over Washington, it really won't matter if they don't have Allen Iverson and Chris Webber again.

8. Trenton Times -- A.I.-less Sixers vie for first
This race was supposed to be over three weeks ago.

9. Trenton Times -- NBA age restriction a thorny issue
In one corner of the room sat LeBron James, the poster child for teenage millionaires everywhere when it comes to pro basketball.

10. Wilmington News Journal-- 76ers, Celtics vie for division title
The last chance for the 76ers to win the Atlantic Division comes tonight against the Boston Celtics.

11. Press of Atlantic City -- Thumbs down? Iverson might sit vs. Boston
The Philadelphia 76ers showed Saturday in Washington that they can win a game without Allen Iverson and Chris Webber. They might have to show it again today in another in a series of huge games.

12. Boston Herald -- C's face playoff test
Doc Rivers uttered perhaps the most damning word he could when asked what he'd learned from the video of the Celtics' April 3 loss to the 76ers that could help reverse the outcome when the teams meet tonight in Philadelphia.

13. Boston Globe -- For Celtics now, only posing is of questions
On April 2, the Celtics taped playoff promos for TNT. On April 4, playoff tickets went on sale at the FleetCenter box office.

Sixers Headlines - April 11, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Green shows he's always good & ready
There was the late-night philosophical discussion with 76ers teammates Allen Iverson and Kevin Ollie on the chartered train ride from 30th Street Station.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Confident Sixers hope to carry momentum
In a season fraught with inconsistency, the 76ers appear as if they're finally giving themselves - and their fans - a reason for optimism with their play during the last week.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Schoolyard wishes for Dalembert
When people watch Samuel Dalembert fill the lane on a fastbreak, or outrun an opponent downcourt to slam dunk an alley-oop pass from Allen Iverson, they can't help but wonder how good he could have been had he played basketball all his life.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Who's Hot
Marc Jackson. Jackson showed remarkable consistency hitting the jump shot off the pick-and-roll during the week. In back-to-back victories over Cleveland and Washington, the 6-foot-10 Jackson hit 19 of 30 attempts from the field (63.3 percent), mostly on shots ranging from 15 to 18 feet, while scoring 24 points against the Cavaliers and 20 against the Wizards.

5. Daily Local Times -- Green's up-and-down season continues
Heading into this season, Willie Green was supposed to have his coming out party, maybe start alongside Allen Iverson.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- Green continues to show promise
As rookie second-round picks, Willie Green played more meaningful minutes than Kyle Korver for the Sixers.

7. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers' Green always ready for playing time
There was a play late in the Sixers' game against the Wizards on Saturday that was a thing of beauty and it showed the Sixers' young players at their best.

8. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers' Green knows his place
Willie Green knows where he will be Tuesday should Allen Iverson return to the lineup for the 76ers game against the Boston Celtics: At the end of the bench, unlikely to play unless the game is a blowout one way or the other.

9. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers' Green has remained calm, capable
No one would have blamed Willie Green if he stood in front of his locker in the MCI Center Saturday night and let his coach have it.

10. USA Today -- Minus Iverson, 76ers rally late to get past Wizards
Two ships in the night, just about ready to pass each other - an old saying that aptly describes the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards.

11. Boston Herald -- Celts try to laugh off losses
A day after being ejected 1:41 after the opening tip in New Jersey, Doc Rivers booted himself to the balcony for the latter part of practice yesterday, allowing others to run some made-for-fun scrimmages.

12. Boston Globe -- Laughter may prove best medicine for Celtics
The day after earning the quickest ejection by a coach this season, Doc Rivers found an officiating crew he likes. And he didn't have to look far.

Sixers Headlines - April 10, 2005

1. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers win game of wild swings
After sitting nervously on the bench all game with two sprained thumbs, Allen Iverson had to find some way to release his pent-up energy last night.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- On the NBA | On the NBA
He sat out 13 months. He missed 93 consecutive games, some because of his elbow, some because of his ankles, some because, well, the coach didn't like the way he played defense.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers Notes | Sprained thumbs sideline Iverson
Allen Iverson has played with a number of bumps and bruises this season, but two sprained thumbs suffered in Friday night's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers were too much for the 76ers guard to bear.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Green excels again in Iverson's absence
It has been a season of extremes for second-year 76ers guard Willie Green, whose performances have been about as uneven as his playing time. Or as improbable as last night's 112-106 win over the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center.

5. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers survive, claw back to beat Wizards
The team on their heels won big earlier in the day. Already playing without their second-leading scorer, they suddenly were without the NBA's top offensive player as well.

6. Allentown Morning Call -- Injuries to Iverson's thumbs leave Sixers short-handed
It generally takes a lot to force Allen Iverson out of the lineup, especially in a game so critical to the 76ers' playoff hopes.

7. Camden Courier Post -- More work to be done
The Sixers aren't quite there yet, but if they can squeeze out a few more wins - probably three - they should be in the playoffs.

8. Camden Courier Post -- No Iverson, no Webber, no problem for Sixers
The 76ers had no "star" on the floor Saturday night at Washington, but you wouldn't have known it.

9. Camden Courier Post -- Ex-Sixer Hughes thriving in Washington
Wizards guard Larry Hughes says the biggest thing he's learned over the years is patience. He had the physical part of the game, now he's got the mental part of it down.

10. Delaware County Times -- Sixers: Green answers bell to wallop Wizards
Without Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, the 76ers turned in one of their gutsiest performances of the season. When Allen Iverson left the Wachovia Center Friday night, he fully intended to play against the Wizards. On the train ride down, however, his right thumb began to swell and by Saturday, Iverson was unable to play.

11. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers win without Iverson, Webber
Just try to figure these 76ers out. They're up 21 in the first half. They're down 13 in the fourth quarter. They're atrocious in the third quarter. They're phenomenal in the fourth quarter.

12. Wilmington News Journal -- Sprained thumbs sidelines Iverson
The words sounded strange to 76ers coach Jim O'Brien when Allen Iverson approached him on the train to Washington at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday and informed him that he might not be able to play Saturday night.

13. Trenton Times -- Final Score: Philadelphia 112, Washington 106
Marc Jackson, Andre Iguodala and Willie Green had 20 points apiece as the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers defeated Washington, 112-106, at the Comcast Center.

14. Washington Post -- Wizards Lose Fifth Straight
It might be time to get seriously concerned about whether the Washington Wizards will win another game this season. They were back home in a supposed "must-win" situation and they were handed a gift last night when the Philadelphia 76ers took the floor without the league's leading scorer, Allen Iverson.

15. Washington Post -- It's No Way to Finish
Playoff tickets went on sale yesterday in Washington. Wizards playoff tickets. Perhaps the shock of that news led the Wizards to fall behind by three touchdowns only two minutes into the second quarter and lose a home game a team with ambition shouldn't lose.

16. Washington Times -- Wizards' slide hits five games
The Washington Wizards, who want to be peaking for the postseason, instead are playing their worst basketball of the year and backing into the playoffs.

17. Baltimore Sun -- 76ers get by Wizards despite Arenas' 44
The Philadelphia 76ers played without Allen Iverson, blew a 21-point first-half lead and trailed by 13 in the fourth quarter last night before rallying for their fourth straight win, 112-106, over the slumping Washington Wizards.

Sixers Headlines - April 9, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Sixers' big duo use size to advantage
SAMUEL DALEMBERT is the sleek, marvelously athletic guy who grew up playing soccer in his native Haiti and, as a teenager, in Canada. Marc Jackson is the burly, 6-10 guy who grew up on the playgrounds of Philadelphia.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Centers Grab the Attention
Allen Iverson couldn't make a shot no matter how hard he tried. Chris Webber was still ailing and absent because of his sprained left shoulder.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Phil Sheridan | Iverson knows what James is still learning
LeBron James, coming to a skidding stop among the photographers along the baseline, put his forehead on his forearm for a few moments. When he looked up, Allen Iverson was standing there, his hand extended.

5. Daily Local Times -- Iverson, Sixers in seventh heaven by topping Cavs
Two months ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers looked like a lock to make the playoffs.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- Seventh heaven
When a team is trying to get into the playoffs, every game is important. But for the Sixers, Friday night's game with the Cavaliers was absolutely essential.

8. Camden Courier Post -- 76ers make move for seventh seed
The 76ers are now in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

9. Trenton Times -- Sixers pass Cavs
Don't look now, Larry Brown and your reigning NBA champion Detroit Pistons. Allen Iverson and the Sixers may be coming your way soon.

9. Wilmington News Journal -- This time, Iverson passes
Allen Iverson wasn't having any of it, with two sprained thumbs and a career high in assists.

9. Reading Eagle -- Appreciation in a sea of insincerity
Plenty of publicity-savvy pro athletes say it. Marc Jackson means it.

10. Allentown Morning Call -- Iverson passes, Sixers catch Cavs
The 76ers were without Chris Webber for the fourth straight game. Cleveland didn't have injured center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Sixers Headlines - April 8, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Sixers would pass Cavs with win tonight
One game closer. That's all the 76ers can hope to accomplish tonight when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Time has come to bid Iverson a fond farewell
Charles Barkley came through town this week, returning as a successful author on a book tour and a larger-than-life (literally) character who has fashioned a second act to his life nearly as entertaining as the first.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Webber is likely to be back at big time
The 76ers get a shot at moving up a rung in the Eastern Conference playoff race tonight, and they probably will have one of their stars back in the lineup to help out.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Hughes moves onward and upward
Larry Hughes knew what he wanted. But he was 18, and how do you accomplish anything when you're that callow, and Allen Iverson is in such a hurry?

5. Daily Local Times -- Struggling Cleveland comes to town for key game with Sixers
As the regular season draws to a close, every game is significant for the 76ers.

6. Calkins Newspapers --Sixers making push for seventh spot in East
Kyle Korver may be a second-year player, but he's experiencing an NBA first.

7. Calkins Newspapers -- L.A. Sparks hire former 76er Bibby
The Los Angeles Sparks hired former Philadelphia 76er Henry Bibby as their head coach, giving him a new start in Southern California four months after he was fired from USC.

8. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers set sights on seventh seed, Cleveland
Every game of late is a big game for the 76ers.

9. Wilington News Journal -- Ex-76er Hughes has breakout season tonight
The breakout season for Larry Hughes was six years in the making, which was five years too long for the 76ers.

10. The Plain Dealer -- McInnis, back in lineup, still puzzled tonight
Point guard Jeff McInnis returned to the Cavaliers' starting lineup in what could be a desperate attempt to salvage the team's playoff hopes.

11. The Plain Dealer -- Now isn't the time to give Paxson ax tonight
The other shoe will drop on Jim Paxson sooner or later, but you have to wonder what good it would do for Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers' new owner, to get the nickname "Shoeless Dan" here and now.

12. The Plain Dealer -- Have Cavaliers buried McInnis in Snow bank?
There's growing speculation that Cavs point guard Jeff McInnis was chained to the bench recently because owner Dan Gilbert was swayed by outside advisers telling him the team must get more for its money from Eric Snow, McInnis' backup most of this season.

13. The Plain Dealer-- Cavs' James offers to pay mentor's debt
Cavaliers star LeBron James has offered $138,344 to repay a loan that an Akron businessman made to James' father figure to settle a lawsuit scheduled to go to trial during the NBA playoffs.

14. Akron Beacon Journal -- Instability threatening James again
LeBron James grew up trying to escape instability.

15. Akron Beacon Journal -- Continuing losses churn up other issues
As is the case with most teams going through rough times, the Cavaliers' recent poor play on the court has exposed some issues off of it.

16. The News Herald -- James becomes foes' focus
Cavaliers' lose second option on offense without injured Ilgauskas in lineup.

Sixers Headlines - April 7, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Sixers trying to get on board
IN THE MEDIA room at the Wachovia Center, the 76ers' media relations staff has set up a dry-erase board with the Eastern Conference standings.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Early blowout turns into a squeaker
EMEKA OKAFOR, very likely the NBA's Rookie of the Year, threw the very last, desperation pass against the 76ers last night.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Webber not ready for return
This was, the way the 76ers described it from the beginning, a 7- to 10-day injury. And this was only the seventh day. Borderline time, at best, for Chris Webber to return from his sprained left shoulder.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- 76ers finally tame Bobcats as Iverson erupts for 48
The 76ers proved again last night that they love to live dangerously, as evidenced by their grabbing a lead of more than 20 points in the first half and then throwing almost all of it away in the second.

5. Daily Local Times -- Sixers squander lead, but hold on
It’s a given that the Charlotte Bobcats have nothing to play for. Expansion teams never do at this time of the year.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- Another close call for the Sixers
The Sixers enjoyed the story line to Sunday's game so much they repeated it Wednesday.

7. Calkins Newspapers -- A.I. nets 48 to keep Sixers in hunt
Allen Iverson scored 48 points and kept the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoff hunt with a 106-103 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.

8. Calkins Newspapers -- Carroll wild about Bobcats
Matt Carroll would love to stick in Charlotte.

9. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers win, help playoff cause tonight
With every win, the 76ers move a step closer toward clinching a playoff berth.

10. Camden Courier Post -- Sixers win, help playoff cause tonight
Chris Webber missed his third straight game with a sprained left shoulder Wednesday night, despite sounding like he would try to give it a go the day before following practice.

11. Trenton Times -- Sixers escape with win tonight
On the night the Sixers gave away 5,000 commemorative Samuel Dalembert lunchboxes, they nearly gave away something much more valuable: the game.

12. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers build big lead, hold on to win
Amazingly, it came down to one possession after the 76ers' 25-point lead had evaporated to one.

13. Wilmington News Journal -- Webber's next game unknown
The 76ers had hoped that Chris Webber's shoulder injury would heal faster than the 7-10 days prescribed by the team's doctors.

14. Wilmington News Journal -- Stats don't tell all about Iguodala
The numbers aren't very impressive, but Andre Iguodala's game isn't about numbers. It's about results.

15. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers forced to hold on against expansion Bobcats tonight
It shouldn't be surprising that Boston would make a run at the 76ers after falling behind by 25 points in the first quarter.

16. Allentown Morning Call -- Even when they win, the Sixers look a little lost
Among the inspirational sayings and whatnot that litter the walls of the Sixers' locker room is this: ''You gotta believe.''

17. Press of Atlantic City -- Sixers hold off Bobcats
It started out as a basketball game against the inept expansion Charlotte Bobcats and turned into a near-death experience for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Sixers Headlines - April 6, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News-- Iguodala on the up and up
When Andre Iguodala entered the NBA draft following his sophomore season at the University of Arizona, he didn't know which team would select him.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Former Sixer Robinson signs free-agent deal with Spurs
Former All-Star forward Glenn Robinson, who began the season with the 76ers, signed a free-agent contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

3. Philadelphia Daily News -- Webber aching to return
Do shoulders make sounds? Do body parts talk? Chris Webber says he planned to listen to himself this morning in hopes of returning to the 76ers lineup for tonight's home date against the Charlotte Bobcats.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- O'Brien: .500 is still playoffs' promised land
A couple of months ago, 76ers coach Jim O'Brien spoke of the need for his team to finish with a .500 record because, in his opinion, it would mean a spot in the NBA playoffs.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- NBA Playoff Push: Contenders and Pretenders
The NBA regular season ends April 20, two weeks from today. Here's a look at the jumbled playoff picture. (All statistics through Monday.)

6. Daily Local News -- Webber may return tonight
Although Chris Webber didn't go through a full contact practice with the 76ers, there's a chance he could play tonight.

7. Calkins Newspapers -- Webber expects to return tonight
Barring a late setback, Chris Webber is optimistic that he'll be the Sixers' starting power forward tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats.

8. Calkins Newspapers -- So much at stake for Sixers in final nine games
Chris Webber is more used to playing for home-court advantage in the playoffs than a postseason spot.

9. Camden Courier Post -- Ailing Webber could play tonight
With the 76ers clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, they certainly could use a boost and they could get that tonight in the form of forward Chris Webber.

10. Charlotte Observer -- Clippers' improvisation leaves Bobcats stunned
The last play Tuesday night would have made one fine Roadrunner cartoon.

11. Charlotte Observer -- L.A. rookie delivers last-second defeat
Los Angeles Clippers rookie Shaun Livingston hit a layup with a second left for a 104-102 victory Tuesday night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Sixers Headlines - April 5, 2005

1. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Erratic 76ers not in position to be patient
With nine games remaining, a playoff berth and a division title still within their grasp, the 76ers already are playing with a postseason mind-set.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Ex-Sixer Robinson joins Spurs
Forward Glenn Robinson, the two-time all-star who did not play a game for the 76ers this season before they traded him on Feb. 24, signed with the San Antonio Spurs yesterday.

3. Daily Local News -- For Sixers, the playoffs have already begun
When the 76ers roared out to a 26-point lead in the first quarter against Boston on Sunday afternoon, they drew a sharp comparison in Celtics coach Doc Rivers' mind.

4. Calkins Newspapers -- Webber holds key to playoffs
In his first season as head coach of the Sixers, Philadelphia native Jim O'Brien would like nothing more than to lead the Sixers back to the postseason.

5. Camden Courier Post -- 76ers' playoff hopes go down to the wire
The 76ers are in the final stretch of the regular season with just nine games remaining.

6. Trenton Times -- NCAA title provides a lifetime of memories
Then a sophomore, Arizona guard Jason Terry was soaking in the excitement and expectation of playing for the 1997 national championship when he realized just how much was at stake.

7. Charlotte Observer -- Foul shots dear to Bobcats guard
Matt Carroll understands the cliché description: Slow white guy with shooting range, so all he can do is make 3-pointers.

Sixers Headlines - April 4, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- FEELING OK AFTER SEEING SHRINK
They were up 10 points at halftime and acting as if they had to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner'' at the next game. But it was Gov. Rendell who had made a deal with the devil, not the 76ers.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Once Mo, with feeling?
Gov. Rendell had the perfect plan. He just couldn't execute it.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers thrive and then survive
The 76ers started yesterday's game against the Boston Celtics flying, leading by as many as 26 points in the first quarter.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers' shooting unsightly
The 76ers endured a brutal week shooting the ball. Starting with their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27, they shot only 40.1 percent from the field over four games and under 40 percent in three of them in the week that ended Saturday.

5. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Sixers survive to beat Celtics, 97-93
The 76ers started Sunday's game against the Boston Celtics flying, leading by as many as 26 points in the first quarter.

6. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Iguodala makes the day a challenging one for Pierce
The box score might not suggest it, but rookie Andre Iguodala produced a fine defensive effort against Paul Pierce, a four-time all-star, yesterday in the 76ers' 97-93 win over the Boston Celtics at the FleetCenter.

7. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Who's Hot
Samuel Dalembert. Dalembert has recorded double-doubles in three of his last five games.

8. Philadelphia Inquirer -- No boos - but no high notes for Rendell
Gov. Rendell has no illusions of quitting his day job in Pennsylvania for a singing career.

9. Daily Local News -- Sixers start out hot, hang on to top Celtics
Early in Sunday afternoon's game against Boston, the 76ers were maybe too good for their own good.

10. Deleware County Daily Times -- Sixers Scoop: Rendell sings to make good on Super bet
Before the Super Bowl, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell made a bet with Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Sunday, Rendell, whose Eagles lost to the Patriots, sang the national anthem before the Sixers-Celtics game.

11. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers beat Celtics, still trail by 3
Allen Iverson is convinced the Sixers can still win the Atlantic Division.

12. Calkins Newspapers -- Gov. Rendell pays off Super Bowl bet
Aaron McKie couldn't help saying something to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.

13. Trenton Times -- Iverson's 38 lead Sixers past CelticsGreen should be playing
The Atlantic Division is heading down to the wire. It's also heading down to the bottom.Sixers coach Jim O'Brien certainly has his own unique way of looking at things. It's been said so many times, but I have to say it again: What in the world is he thinking by not playing Willie Green?

14. Camden Courier Post -- Green should be playing
Sixers coach Jim O'Brien certainly has his own unique way of looking at things. It's been said so many times, but I have to say it again: What in the world is he thinking by not playing Willie Green?

15. ESPN.com -- Coach Obie's unhappy return
It is so much different this time. Jim O'Brien's second return to Boston in his latest professional incarnation -- head coach of the 76ers -- comes with his team wobbling and his once-impeccable reputation taking a bit of a hit.

16. Boston Globe-- Flat Celtics snooze, lose
The Celtics got their wish. Playing like the regular season cannot end soon enough, Boston ensured its big game against Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia was over almost as soon as it began.

17. Boston Globe-- Walker forced to take a seat
The bad news came well before the 1 p.m. tipoff yesterday, when Celtics coach Doc Rivers learned Antoine Walker would not play against the Sixers because of a severely bruised left knee.

18. Boston Globe-- Iverson pumps up his team
Boston-Philadelphia has been a noted basketball rivalry from the time Bill Russell went head-to-head with Wilt Chamberlain nearly half a century ago. It flourished during the Larry Bird era and has come back to life again.

19. Boston Herald -- Doc: C's don't get it: No urgency in loss to 76ers
Doc Rivers climbed up on the top rope after yesterday's loss to Philadelphia and dropped a flying elbow on his Celtics. He ripped them for the way they began the game, but in retrospect the coach may have been exaggerating just a little.

20. Boston Herald -- Iverson a step ahead
Allen Iverson knew going into yesterday's encounter at the FleetCenter that he commanded the featured role in the Celtics' scouting report.

21. Boston Herald -- Star is in dark: Pierce baffled by team's play
Doc Rivers had just questioned the heart of his Celtics, and the look on Paul Pierce's face was conflicted.

22. Providence Journal -- Lapses bring Celts an untimely loss
With nine games left in the regular season, a pretty solid grasp on the top spot in the Atlantic Division -- and hence the third seed in the playoffs -- this is a time when the Boston Celtics should be finding their groove and fine-tuning their schemes in preparation for the playoffs.

23. Providence Journal -- Celtics Notebook: Walker likely out for the week with bruised knee
Adding to the state of uncertainty the Celtics suddenly find themselves in is the status of Antoine Walker's left knee, which caused him to miss yesterday's game against the 76ers and may keep him out of action for the rest of the week.

Sixers Headlines - April 3, 2005

1. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Multiple injuries not likely to keep Iverson out today
Mired in a three-game losing streak in their push for the NBA playoffs, the 76ers received a bit of good news yesterday.

2. Daily Local News -- NBA Scoop/Caryl Kauffman: O’Brien responsible for woes of Sixers
After Friday night’s loss to Dallas and again Saturday, Sixers coach Jim O’Brien praised his team’s defensive performance in holding Dallas to 45 percent shooting. Those in the Wachovia Center to witness the nearly unmatchable 100-83 rout probably felt differently.

3. Calkins Newspapers -- Sixers' Atlantic Division title hopes fading
One of the Sixers' primary goals for the 2004-05 season was to win the Atlantic Division.

4. Calkins Newspapers -- Trio of dreadful losses could haunt O'Brien
Welcome to the portion of an NBA season when borderline playoff teams tend to lament the ones that got away.

5. Wilmington News Journal -- 76ers face Celtics with division on line
The 76ers are on the verge of losing their lifeline for playoff positioning during a season in which they have struggled just to achieve mediocrity.

6. Allentown Morning Call -- Playoffs? We're talking playoffs? Not so fast
The 76ers put single-game playoff tickets on sale Saturday.

Sixers Headlines - April 2, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- Poor shooting leads to loss to Mavericks
CARNAC THE Magnificent's answer: Jesse Jackson, Billy Graham and the 76ers. The question: Name three entities who can make 20,000 people shriek, "Oh, my God.

2. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Slope Gets Slipperier
The bad news just kept on coming last night for the 76ers.

3. Daily Local News -- Sixers: No shot at beating the Mavericks
To Jim O’Brien’s way of thinking, when the shots aren’t falling, the 76ers aren’t winning.

4. Calkins Newspapers -- Another painful loss
As difficult as they are to find, there were some positives from the Sixers' 100-83 home drubbing by the Mavericks Friday night.

5. Camden Courier-Post -- Sixers lose as playoff grip loosens
Another night, another bad loss for the 76ers.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- Webber could return to action Sunday
Turns out Chris Webber could miss as few as two games.

7. Trenton Times -- Sixers continue to fade
In the wake of another disquieting loss - this one a never-a-doubt 100-83 thumping by the Dallas Mavericks last night - and another injury to Allen Iverson, the Sixers announced he'd be unavailable for comment to the media because he was meeting with the doctor.

8. Wilmington News Journal -- Misfires mark another 76er loss
The 76ers are putting playoff tickets on sale today. You might not need them, not after another desultory performance in which they couldn't shoot straight and didn't have nearly enough defense to stop the Dallas Mavericks, who easily dispatched the undermanned Sixers 100-83 on Friday.

9. Wilmington News Journal -- Webber's return may come sooner
TThere's a chance that Chris Webber can return from his sprained left shoulder sooner than later, which is why the 76ers aren't putting him on the injured list.

10. Allentown Morning Call -- Sixers put in another dismal showing sprain
The hand-scribbled message on the wipe-off board in the 76ers locker room Friday night read ''12, Temple.''

11. Dallas Morning News -- Mavs clinch playoff berth, set sights on bigger goals
The Mavericks officially stamped their playoff ticket Friday night. The short-handed Philadelphia 76ers - playing without Chris Webber and getting only 30 minutes from Allen Iverson - offered little resistance in a 100-83 Dallas victory.

12. Star-Telegram -- Mavs are playoff-bound again
Clinching a playoff spot and Friday night's clash with the 76ers had plenty in common for the Mavericks.

Sixers Headlines - April 1, 2005

1. Philadelphia Daily News -- On brink of history, Korver has to find shot all over again
PHOENIX - He was the kid from Creighton with a reputation as a big-time shooter. But regardless what he said to reporters or how he handled himself in public, he couldn't be certain he belonged.

2. Philadelphia Daily News -- Webber's shoulder injury might not be too bad
Chris Webber left America West Arena on Wednesday night with his left arm in a sling, and the 76ers in a bind.

3. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Webber injury stings Sixers
The schedule appeared to slightly favor the 76ers in the race for a playoff berth entering the final three weeks of the regular season. That is, it did until doctors took a look yesterday at Chris Webber's left shoulder.

4. Philadelphia Inquirer -- Miller is finishing in dazzling fashion
INDIANAPOLIS - Do yourself a favor. Clear your schedule two weeks from tonight - Tax Day - and make sure you watch the Sixers play the Pacers. It may be the last time you see Reggie Miller.

5. Daily Local News -- Webber to miss at least a week
If the 76ers are going to break their two-game losing streak any time soon, they'll have to do it without Chris Webber.

6. Calkins Newspapers -- Webber sidelined 7-10 days
The Sixers are entering the home stretch shorthanded. As they head into the final 11 games holding a one-game lead over the ninth-place Magic and a 1 1/2-game edge over the Nets in the race for the final Eastern Conference playoff position, the Sixers learned Thursday that starting power forward Chris Webber will be sidelined seven to 10 days.

7. Trenton Times -- Sixers without Webber for 7-10 days
PHILADELPHIA - Chris Webber was too stubborn for his own good. After landing awkwardly on his tender left knee late in the first half of Wednesday night's 116-87 thrashing by the Phoenix Suns, Webber spurned the advice of both the Sixers' and Suns' medical staffs.

8. Wilmington News Journal -- Injury jeopardizes 76ers' playoff hopes
The injury happened at the worst possible time, both for Chris Webber personally and the 76ers as a team.

9. Allentown Morning Call -- Webber sidelined with shoulder sprain
Philadelphia 76ers forward Chris Webber will miss seven to 10 days after spraining his left shoulder against the Phoenix Suns, the team said Thursday.

10. Dallas Morning News -- Defense has its rewards for Mavericks
PHILADELPHIA - If you want to find out which Maverick was best at executing the defensive scheme Wednesday at Boston, watch closely tonight after the opening tip against Philadelphia.

11. Star-Telegram -- Former sidekicks can't put a finger on Answer
Jerry Stackhouse and Keith Van Horn know how tough it is to survive in Philadelphia, let alone thrive, alongside Allen Iverson.

"The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Philadelphia 76ers organization."

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