The 76ers blew a 20-point lead, losing to the lowly Timberwolves Monday afternoon in overtime.
Is anyone surprised?
The Sixers set the pace early jumping ahead by as much as twenty in the 2nd quarter. As in their previous few games the Sixers defense was actually quite impressive in the first half. Ball movement was crisp and the game plan was executed perfectly.
Now, the second half, that’s another story entirely.
The Sixer defense seemed to revert back to their old ways. Nearly the entire second half the T-Wolves were able to get clear looks at the basket. On the offensive side of the ball the Sixers were no longer attacking the basket instead, settling for jump shots. And I don’t know how many times I’ve said it, this is not a jump shooting team. In the end it was their undoing, as they eventually fell in overtime.
Only a few hours after this loss, there is debate as to whether or not this is a good loss or a bad loss.
Well it’s neither.
No matter how or when you lose , you still lost, and losing is not good no matter who you are or what’s at stake. Believe me winning today wasn’t going to keep the Sixers out of a high draft pick, though losing is still not good. Losing could get Eddie Jordan fired, but what’s the point? Say the Sixers fire Eddie Jordan, and they name an interim head coach, promoting within. Like last season with Tony DiLeo when Maurice Cheeks was fired. And what happened? DiLeo instilled a defensive system and the team charged into the playoffs. Giving the Orlando Magic their toughest test during their journey to the NBA Finals before being beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers.
For all you “let’s tank it on purpose” fans out there how’s that last scenario sound to you?
Ultimately, it is never a bad thing to win. What DiLeo did with the Sixers last year gave fans and media alike hope that this team would be better. Many had the Sixers a guaranteed playoff team, even as high as the 6th seed. Expectations are never a bad thing, eventually they lead to actual results. Along with expectations comes pressure, without it, there is practically no incentive to win. You become apathetic and happy with just being. Something the Sixers have been all season long. Something they’ll continue to be if they “tank” this season.
Does anyone remember how this city felt about the Sixers towards the end of last season? There wasn’t a buzz, like a “I think they could go far” attitude. It was more of a prideful, “they could really give the Magic all they can handle.” The fan base was energized and looking forward to the growth of this team.
That growth is going backwards.
It’s time to let Eddie Jordan go. It’s time to salvage this season, and not in the standings. It’s time to salvage the heart of this franchise. Pride has to return, that’s the first step to rebuilding this team. Not a high priced free agent, and not a know-it-all coach. Until they restore that energy, this team will never get back on it’s feet.
I leave you with this video, after you watch it tell me if you think the Sixers should tank the season still.
-Mike Santa Barbara
*** Follow me on Twitter @Mike__SB ***
