Miami learns Sixers won't back down

There has been little doubt of the competitive nature of the Sixers during this series with the Miami Heat.

If there was some question as to the Sixers' toughness, it was answered yesterday, not just because of the win but because of the fight. Literally.

With 9 minutes, 21 seconds left in the second quarter, Miami sub James Jones was called for stepping out of bounds in front of his team's bench when he caught a pass. Jones looked down at his feet after the call, then prepared to launch a three-pointer anyway.

Sixers sub Evan Turner slapped at the ball as Jones was about to launch it, looking to grab the ball so his team could start their offensive possession. James, however, took exception and sort of took a swipe at Turner's hand. Thaddeus Young immediately jumped in Jones' face, protecting his rookie teammate. Jones and Young were assessed technical fouls.

Later in the contest, LeBron James took the ball hard to the basket only to be met by a hard foul from Sixers center Spencer Hawes. James didn't like the harshness of the contact and made steps toward Hawes to display his displeasure.

Both instances were broken up before anything erupted, but it certainly was a show of solidarity by the Sixers.

"I think it's just competing, in the heat of battle things occur," said Turner, who, considering the circumstances, probably turned in his best performance of the season with 17 points and six rebounds. "I think it's just not backing down."

As much as Doug Collins probably appreciated his team sticking up for each other, he had to laugh at the timing of it all.

"I think then they went on a 22-2 run. I'm not sure we wanted them that agitated," Collins said. "Evan Turner is a competitor and so is Thad. I pulled them together and said that I love the fire, let's just make sure we channel it the right way."

For the first two games of this series, sub forward Thaddeus Young was the best player for the Sixers, providing hustle, rebounding and 19 points a game.

The last two games, mostly because of a Miami defense that has been keying on him, Young has gone 2-for-12 from the floor, scored a total of six points and yesterday was mostly overpassed by coach Doug Collins in favor of Evan Turner.

"I'm not run down," said Young, who has averaged about 21 minutes the past two games. "I'm fine, it's just a matter of me not getting open shots. Every time I seem to get the ball I have three or four guys around me so I've got to swing the ball. That's what I've pretty much been doing. The last two games they're looking to swarm me. That leaves other guys open so I'm looking to get the ball and look for [Elton Brand] or look for [Andre Iguodala] or look for Jodie [Meeks], Jrue [Holiday] or other guys, just trying to get everybody else into the game. It's definitely frustrating when you can't get a shot off."

It was about 10:30 yesterday morning and starting guards Jodie Meeks and Jrue Holiday were taking passes from assistant coach Aaron McKie, practicing their jump shots. After about 20 or so each from three-point range, Holiday turned to a reporter sitting courtside.

"Are you seeing this?" he asked. "He is on fire. Watch out for him today."

Meeks finished the day with a pedestrian five points, making two of his three shots, draining his only three-pointer.