Sixers fall to Kings in overtime
Friday night's 76ers-Heat game had all the intangibles of a postseason game – raucous crowd, high-spirited and fast-paced play, in-your-face defense.
For the most part yesterday at the Wells Fargo Center the Sixers and the visiting Sacramento Kings would have had to turn the game's intensity level up a few notches just to reach preseason level.
Maybe it was the noon start, or the fact that the Kings were playing the last of a five-game road stretch. Or perhaps the fans were looking more forward to the Flyers-Bruins game that was going to follow. Chairman Ed Snider was even sporting his Flyer-orange tie and socks.
No matter the circumstances, Sixers coach Doug Collins knows that the luxury of his team just showing up and being able to win games is not affordable.
That point was proven yesterday. Several head-scratching turnovers, nonchalantness going after loose balls and general sloppiness on both ends of the floor led to the Sixers (37-36) dropping a 114-111 overtime decision to the Kings, a team that they beat in Sacramento by 22 a little over a week ago.
Sixer guard Lou Williams made a 30-footer at the buzzer to force the overtime, his first made basket in nine shots.
The Sixers were able to grab a 12-point lead in the second quarter, but that dwindled down to four as they lead by 49-44 at the half. The lead disappeared in the third as Sacrament guard Marcus Thornton scored 19 of his 32 points in the quarter, helping the Kings to a 74-71 lead.
So upset with his team was Collins the he pulled out his starting backcourt, Jrue Holiday and Jodie Meeks, 37 seconds into the quarter to voice his displeasure after a gettable loose ball was gotten by the Kings.
Usually reliable subs Williams and Thaddeus Young couldn't help bail out the Sixers yesterday, as they combined for just nine points and made only 3 of their 21 shots.
Jrue Holiday led the Sixers with 28 points, 16 coming in the fourth quarter. Spencer Hawes posteds 16 points and 15 rebounds against his former team, while Meeks added 22 points. Elton Brand had 15 and Andre Iguodala 14.
Jason Thompson backed Thornton with 15 points for the Kings, who improved to 20-52 and finished the road trip 4-1. Sam Dalembert, making his first trip badck to Philly since being traded in the offseason, scored 1 points and grabbed 19 rebounds.
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