Pregame: Sixers vs Wizards
Nov 1, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes (00) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards power forward Trevor Booker (35) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Well, have we all calmed down now?
After possibly the greatest week of basketball in basketball history, the Sixers finally lost a game to the Golden State Warriors 110-90, mainly at the hands of someone we are very familiar with, Andre Iguodala. Nothing like having the guy who couldn’t hit a three for his life, go 7-11 from deep huh? The Sixers are now grounded and everyone should realize that this is a rebuilding team, don’t be fooled by the hot start. Three games in an 82 game season is essentially meaningless, although it is fun as hell.
Now, are we still cheering for wins or losses? I’m not quite sure. But we definitely learned one thing from this team: they will not lay down for anyone. Fans can cheer for as many losses as they want, but every win should come with a realization. This is a team full of fighters led by our young point guard, Michael Carter-Williams. We should want to see these guys win. As Spike Eskin told me yesterday:
"These guys are competitive, and many of the much younger guys are not used to losing, coming from winning college and high school programs. These guys do not want to hear about how bad they suck, and how they’re going to be the suckiest team who will ever suck."
After shooting 51.2 percent shooting in the first two games, the Sixers shot a mere 35.2 percent against the Warriors. The Sixers will now turn their focus on John Wall and the Washington Wizards, whom the Sixers defeated 109-102 on Friday, another comeback win. The Wizards are reeling after starting the season 0-3, after a recent lost to the Miami Heat, Beal said:
"“I thought we battled well,” guard Bradley Beal said. “We still had a few breakdowns on defense. … We just have to knock down shots and limit our turnovers as much as possible.”"
Although it’s still early in the season, it’s weird to see a playoff capable team 0-3 and an apparent basement dweller at 3-1. Michael Carter-Williams, the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, will look to bounce back after shooting 4-17 from the field and committing 6 turnovers against the Warriors. Carter-Williams has exceeded any expectations given to him as a rookie, but even after his sizzling hot start, fans should be aware that MCW will still go through many rookie struggles this season. Brett Brown had some comments about MCW’s aggressiveness the other day:
"“He wants to attack bigs, it’s his nature. I like it, but it becomes an education where you’re going in against 7-foot-2,” first-year coach Brett Brown said. “He’s going to have to get used to going at that size. It’s just part of the process, it’s part of his learning curve.”"
John Wall torched MCW for 26 points and 6 rebounds on Friday, so that will be another match up to watch. Also, center Nene is looking to return from a calf injury tonight vs the Sixers. My bold predication for tonight’s game: Michael Carter-Williams will hold John Wall to 15 points or less, leading the Sixers to victory.
The game will tip-off at 7 PM.
So, there’s only one question left to ask:
Will the Sixers defeat the Washington Wizards tonight?
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