The Philadelphia 76ers are use to going on streaks. Most of the time they’re losing streaks but like I’ve said during the preseason this team is different. After coming off of a tough loss to the Portland Trailblazers in the season opener the Sixers could have easily gone into the game versus the Phoenix Suns in a funk.
Instead, the 76ers dusted that loss off and used it as motivation to put the lights out on the Phoenix Suns. In just 48 hours the Sixers seemed to have found the answers to their defensive lapses against the Portland Trailblazers. More important than playing great defense was the way the Sixers protected the ball. Coming off of a twenty turnover performance the Sixers cut that total in half and it paid dividends on the scoreboard.
Philly’s most unappreciated athlete, Andre Iguodala, continued to provide a spark for the youthful Sixers squad. He started the game aggressively on offense and hit multiple three pointers while playing solid defense.
In addition to the great play of Andre Iguodala, center Spencer Hawes continued his early season dominance on the boards by grabbing 11 rebounds. The highlight of the night for Sixers fans as well as Spencer Hawes was his third quarter steal that turned into a run out dunk and a 21 point third quarter lead on the way to a 103-83 victory.
This was a total team effort, with six players finishing in double digits. That’s impressive because Coach Collins dressed nine players. The Sixers still have a long way to go before the national media considers them good, but it’s easy to see there is a change for the better in the 2011-2012 76ers.
