Going for Records
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Going for Records
We'll be chatting this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. if anyone has some time. Seems like a good time to discuss the past, present, and future .... just like a Christmas Carol.
Past: That Pacers game. This one is still painful to think about. It would be much more pleasant for the Sixers to be 13-14 right now, rather than 12-15.
Present: This Celtics game. Celtics are the best team in the NBA, yet again. 18-game winning streak. 26-2 record. 16-1 at home. If you want to read about the records they could break tonight with a victory, click here: Celtics story.
Future: This 2008-09 season, and what it might hold for the 76ers. On the immediate horizon is this 6-game road trip, which occurs mostly on the West Coast, but begins tonight in Boston. It's a daunting trip. Realistically, the Sixers will return with, at most, two, outside chance of three, wins. And after that, you have to look at the return of Elton Brand and wonder how much longer it will take the Sixers to re-work him back into the schemes. This team, like Brand's shoulder, is facing a disjointed time.
If you have a minute, click here: Sixers Chat.
--Kate
ugh...that's all i've got for now.— K,M- From an optimist's viewpoint (and some/most of this is a reach), last year the Sixers had road wins against the Celtics and Clippers and home wins against the Spurs, Mavs, and Nuggets (played the Spurs tough in SA too), and Carmelo is out for Friday's game. For the Jazz, I have nothing except that I remember Kenny Thomas had a career game (30 points) against Carlos Boozer in 2005, so maybe Thad will too? Honestly, I'm sure the Sixers and their fans would be thrilled with 3-3 and not too displeased with 2-4. To remember something truly positive, here's a little known fact: the 81-82 Celtics that won 18 straight (whose team record win streak this year's Celtics are trying to break tonight) did not win the championship that year -- the Sixers ended their season with a 120-106 win in Boston in Game 7 of the East Finals that year. I just re-watched this game on DVD from my "Sixers NBA Dynasty Series" collection. The Sixers were led by Andrew Toney with 34, Dr. J with 29 (after a brutal start), and familiar face Mo Cheeks with (around) 20. Toney was unstoppable, bouncing back after a 1-11 performance in Game 6. That's what this year's Sixers need to answer their shooting guard woes -- clone Andrew Toney!— Statman
- Positive is good. That Celtics game last year was a real good one...and if i recall we played them pretty close in another game. We also had a heck of a road win against detroit last year...If i recall that was also thad's first NBA start (willie was out - minor injury or illness, can't recall which) that's the one i tend to look back on and say that's where i started to see some real potential in that group. Most of that group is still here...the only real difference among who is actually playing today is rush for carney, smith out, willie out. Ratliff is an upgrade over Booth. Speights probably an upgrade over smith. Ivey/Ollie pretty much a wash. (why does ivey keep shooting threes, btw?) Marshall doesn't play anyway, so thats a wash(but hopefully we'll see him tonite given the depleted roster)... Not sure where i'm going with all this...but hey its a blog i dont have to have a point :)— K,M
- Positve is good, reality is real 2 wins would be an overwhelming success, but I think 1 is all they get (LAC) but could beat Den., without Carmello. After that horrendous loss on Saturday, I have no faith that this team is going anywhere. I am praying that they finish 7-8 and sneak into the playoffs, but honestly I don't see it...— lalleva
- wow, even in trying to be optimistic now reflects how much different the season is currently progressing than the pre-season visions (delusions?!) of success. to take comfort in a 2/3 win road trip and calling it positive shows where this team is at for the moment. perhaps some Christmas cheer and the New Year will usher in some real success...— 127sixer59
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
