After a last second loss in game 4 the Sixers head down to Orlando for game 5 with the series locked up a 2-2.
While Orlando played probably their best game on Sunday, the Sixers probably played one of their worst. And you may say it still took a last second shot to beat them, however, Orlando didn’t really kick it into gear until the second half, which saw their lead grow to double digits for most of the half before a furious Sixer run.
Listed below are things the Sixers MUST do to win game 5:
1. Control the Tempo Early
Nearly everyone in the league knows the way to beat the Sixers is to make them play half court Basketball. The Sixers have to run and run early, make the Magic play their game.
2. Take Higher Percentage Shots
I can’t stress this enough and if you’ve read my previous articles you could say I’m borderline obsessed over this problem the Sixers have. In game 4 the Sixers settled for to many bad looks. When the Magic are able to force the Sixers into half court possessions they simply have to take better shots.
3. Keep Up the Defensive Intensity
One thing that hasn’t really faltered this series for Sixers has been their defense. It’s frustrated the Magic nearly the whole series. Simply put, you can’t win if you can’t stop the other team from scoring.
4. Get to the Line and MAKE Your Free Throws
The Sixers in the first half of Sunday’s game only got to the line twice. That’s unacceptable for any team. The Sixers are successful when they run the floor, go to the basket and get opportunities at the line. In the second half they did a much better job of getting to the line, so what needs to change Tuesday is simply making their attempts.
5. Establish SOMETHING, ANYTHING Inside Offensively
True the Sixers are most successful when they run the floor, but you can’t run throughout an entire NBA game. So when the Sixers are not running, they need to stop settling for just perimeter shots and try at least to establish some inside game. During game 4 the only player on the Sixers that seemed to be posting anyone up was Andre Miller and that can’t happen. I understand Dalembert and Evans don’t have the best offensive moves, but not even trying makes the job for the defense that much easier. And yet another reason to activate Speights.
Pulling off everything listed above is easier said then done especially against a now very confident and motivated Magic team. However, the Sixers have showed the blind bravery of a young team. Given a little momentum a big play here and there and the Sixers could certainly beat the Magic on their home floor.
My Prediction:
Sixers 88 Magic 93
-Mike Santa Barbara
***Follow me on Twitter, Mike__SB***
