Philadelphia 76ers edge out Orlando Magic after close encounter 74-69 – NBA Recap
Philadelphia 76ers struck again by beating Orlando Magic 74-69. The stage was all set at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, with a notable turnover of 16,299 as the crowd chanted for the Sixers.
Andre Iguodala was the main attraction of the evening with an impressive 14 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Evan Turner’s 12 points, ensuring a third consecutive victory for Philadelphia. Sixers improved to 15-6 overall and
11-2 at home. However fate has been kind on them as they yet have to face a worthy contestant.
Commenting on the win Sixers coach Doug Collins said
"That was a much-needed win for us here with what we have ahead of us this week."
Two players from Orlando hit a double-double with Ryan Anderson 14 points and 20 rebounds, along with Dwight Howard’s 11 rebounds and 17 points. However it wasn’t enough to save them from losing.
It was a poor shooting night for both teams with the Magic averaging 33.3% and Sixers 37.5% respectively. The first quarter was eclipsed with tepidness as the score stood at Magic 18 and Sixers 19. This trend transcended into
the second quarter and the game didn’t pick any pace, by the end of first half Philadelphia were leading with 37-33.
It was in the third quarter where Sixers elevated their level of play especially focusing on the defence. They broke away with a substantive lead of 58-42. Orlando couldn’t narrow the gap throughout the last quarter as they strived
but were no match to Tony Battie’s clutch shooting.
Sixers forward Thaddeus Young commented that "We're very happy with the win. We need to learn to keep the momentum going when we build a big lead."
Sixers wining strategy was to engage Howard on defensive position and at the same time Elton Brand and Bettie kept on scoring. Magic guard J.J. Redick couldn’t make things any better for his team he missed all 10 shots from inside
the arc.
Surprisingly all the three of Orlando’s rookies didn’t play; guard DeAndre Liggins and forward Justin Harper along with centre Daniel Orton remained on the bench.
Stan Van Gundy, Magic coach, commented on the challenges faced by his side after the game,
"If we're not getting good pick-and-roll play, we're going to struggle."
The Sixers will be facing Chicago Bulls this Wednesday and let’s hope that this win will provide the impetus they were looking for to compete against the big boys.
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