4th and 26! 4and26sports.com BOOKMARK IT!

Sixers Shock Complacent Pistons

    As Andre Iguodala sank the last free throw, the last glimmer of hope drained from the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday as the Sixers dropped the Pistons in a stunning upset.
    The Pistons are a far more experienced team, play better defense, have all sorts of chemistry, are deadly midrange shooters, and crash the boards. Why did they lose? The 76ers energy and speed, along with their never-say-die attitude helped them come back from 15 down to defeat the Detroit Pistons 90-86.
    The TV Analysts will tell you that the Pistons are far better than Philadelphia and just had one off game. But look at the game closer- Andre Iguodala, one of our two best players, had a reprehensible first quarter and finished with 4-15 shooting. It took our other star, Andre Miller, until the fourth quarter to get things going. Sammy Dalembert sat a large portion of the game with foul trouble. Thaddeus Young had a smoking start but cooled down and sat during the crucial moments of the game. So for those of you keeping score here, four of our best players were horrendous for almost the whole game, against a supposedly far superior team, on the road... and they won? What does that tell you about how evenly matched the Sixers and Pistons actually are?
    Not only that, they were down 13 at the half and as many as 15 in the third. Aren't these the same Pistons that everyone talks about as being the only team that may unseat Boston in the east, yet they can't put away a 40-42 76ers team with a huge lead in the third?
    Can somebody tell me why you pull three of your starters while an underdog opponent is making a monumental comeback? Flip Saunders needs to reevaluate his strategy, because the Sixers will do this again in game two if he doesn't get his guys in the right mindset.
    They caught the Pistons flat footed at the right times. They got off to a good start, but got blown out in the second quarter and missed 18 out of 20 field goals during one stretch. But the Pistons played uninspired ball and got thrashed 52-35 in the second half. Maybe they get bored with themselves, with how good the media tells them they are, with how good they themselves believe they are. I've never seen a team use one title they won half a decade ago as an excuse to lose to teams they should beat in the playoffs year after year. They had no business losing to Lebron in the Eastern Finals last year, and they had no business losing this game. Chauncey Billups, 2nd best free throw shooter in the league, blew 3 of 4 foul shots in an important stretch near the end. Mr. Big Shot indeed.
    The only Pistons that showed any emotions were Jason Maxiell, who had a double double off the bench, and Rasheed Wallace, who at times looked absolutely unstoppable.
    Game 2 stays in Detroit, where the 76ers will look to shock the basketball world yet again. Too bad it's NOT ON NATIONAL TV, and since 4th and 26 is not in the Philly Area at the present time (No Comcast), looks like we're going to have to rely on the box score.

Blue and White was awesome, I'll have a write up of it tomorrow or maybe the next day.

One Last Shot

You're down one, with ten seconds to go, on the road, in game 7 of the Finals. Out of anyone in the NBA, who do you want with the ball in their hands?
    It seems like a simple enough question. But there's really no simple answer.
    Just off the top of my head, Kobe and LeBron come to mind. Anyone who drops 81 in a game and won three titles (yes, i know Shaq was there, the rings count all the same) is a superstar. And if you watched LeBron in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, there need be no explanation as to why he's up here. If you didn't, well, you missed out. Amidst triple teams and one of the most vaunted defenses in the league, he scored 25 STRAIGHT POINTS to win the game. He also had 48 overall. The two are without question the best players in the league. The best individual players, at least.
    With these two, it's a matter of having to score when everyone on the other team knows you're getting the ball. Which is exactly what we're looking for. After them, it's extremely difficult to judge what you want in this situation. Do you want the leader of the team, like the next four? Or do you simply want a shooter?
    Chris Paul is a leader, the best point guard in the league, and may very well win MVP, but is simply not on the level of those two- and i think David West would take the game winner for the Hornets.  Give CP3 (lame nickname by the way) a few years and he'll become the best player in the association, but not yet.
    Tim Duncan is the most accomplished player of our generation (along with Shaquille O'Neal) and quite possibly the most unselfish star in the history of the league, but he's more of a player who fits nicely in with a well built, defensive team. Not to take anything away from that, it wins championships- but it's more impressive to win when you're carrying the team on your back.
    Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard are both terrors on the glass. KG is a stellar defender, and Howard is the best big in the league with no question, but neither of them are getting the rock with seconds left. I think that honor goes to Paul Pierce or Ray Allen on the C's, and Hedo Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis on the Magic.
    So although being a leader gives you confidence with the game on the line, you need to be able to take jumpers or drive with a swarming, collapsing D. So who has the best J in the game? Peja? Kyle Korver? Ray Allen? Listen, nothing against these guys, but if you watched any of them in the playoffs before, escpecially Peja with the Kings, it's clear that they crack under pressure. So what we're looking for is someone who's a leader, unafraid to take the Game Winner, but also has a good enough offensive game to actually hit it. Which leaves me with four people in my mind: LeBron, Kobe, AI, and Baron Davis.
    I may be biased with the Answer, but I grew up watching him hit way too many cold blooded, game winning shots to leave him off of any list like this. And Baron was an absolute assassin in the first round against the top seeded Mavs last year. He couldn't be stopped. But the major problem with my list of four is there's no statistical evidence; it's all anecdotal. So I asked myself, are there stats for scoring in crunch time and game winning shots? Because that way, you can make this argument not based entirely on opinion. Stats don't lie, most of the time.

    So I found some stats. Take the number of points a player scores last five minutes of every game that's within 5, plus any overtime they've been to, and figure out their points per 48 minutes of "clutch time". The top two are, not surprisingly, and backing up popular opinion, are LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, with 57 and 52 points per 48 minutes of clutch time, respectively. Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili and Michael Redd round out the top five. Some interesting things on this list: Baron Davis and Allen Iverson both rank behind such names as my boy Andre Iguodala, Hedo Turkoglu, Ben Gordon, and Jamal Tinsley. Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are actually near the bottom.

    So what does this all mean? Well, some people pick their MVP by who meant the most to their team. And I think, if you measure by that criteria, KG would win. His presence completely bolstered that defense to the extreme. Some people pick their MVP by the best player on the best team. Depending on whom you talk to, that would mean Kobe if the Lakers win the West or Chris Paul if the Hornets pull it out. Some would even contend that the Celtics are the best team, so KG gets another check mark. Some people are even suggesting that because Kobe has had such an illustrious career, he deserves it because he hasn't had an MVP yet.

    I disagree with all of that criteria. Just because a player means a lot to a very good team, like KG, to give it to him for that suggests that Ray Allen or Paul Pierce are useless. We all saw what happened with KG was a one man gang in Minnesota. And best player on best team is just stupid- it's not a superior player's fault if the team he's on isn't good enough to support him. The best player best team method is a cop out. It's the safe pick. Nobody is going to call you out for picking the best player on the best team. But they should. And the lifetime achievement award criterion.. well.. that just cheapens the award. It makes it more of a pity party, and I doubt Kobe would enjoy the award if he knew that the only reason he got it was because everyone felt sorry for him.

    That's why LeBron James is the MVP. He carries a terrible team (KG couldn't do that in Minnesota for the past few years) on his back, he puts up good numbers, and they're making the playoffs ONLY because of him. But that's not why he's the MVP. If you had to bet your life on one player to get the ball with seconds left on the clock, when the game's on the line, who would it be?

The MVP.

Eastern Conference, part 2

    4th and 26 is continuing the Eastern Conference Playoffs preview today. Breakdown of Caps-Flyers tomorrow or when I get around to it.

Washington Wizards:
HIBACHI! Seriously though, America just found out how much the Wiz need Gilbert Arenas. Two years ago, "Agent Zero" led the Bullets, ahem, the Wizards to a middling 42-40 record and a first round exit against LeBron and the Cavs. Last year, "Agent Zero" led the Wizards to a middling 41-41 record and a first round exit against LeBron and the Cavs. This year, Gilbert played in only 11 games. Caron Butler (20 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg) and Antwan Jamison (21 ppg, 10.5 rpg) stepped up and took over the team. Both are fine players and may be the cornerstones the franchise needs to build. However, if current playoff seedings hold, the Wizards will meet... LeBron James and the Cavs in the first round. I'm sure they're excited.

Philadelphia 76ers:
EVERYBODY left this team for dead through the first few months of the season. I remember Sports Illustrated's NBA preview, ESPN previews, and EVERY media outlet with the Sixers at the bottom of the Conference. I also remember shaking my head and saying to myself, "There's no way this team misses the playoffs." Crazy prediction of a hometown fan? Blind luck? Maybe. But look at the facts. Andre Iguodala, the team's alpha dog, has increased production steadily since his rookie season and averaged 20 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg, and 2 spg, making the stat sheet his own personal novel. Sammy Dalambert, the self proclaimed "Hatian Sensastion", has his flaws (including, but not limited to: shooting, passing, holding on to the ball, complaining about minutes, ect.), but MORE than makes up for it with his defense and rebounding (10 pg). And he can dunk (51% fg). In fact, everyone on this team can dunk. Iggy, Rodney Carney and Thaddeus Young make this team's runnin', gunnin', wear you out athleticism and flashy swagger work. And without old man Andre Miller (17 ppg, 7 apg), they might just be running around in circles. Miller calms down the athletes, focuses them and runs a smooth fast break. This is one of the best teams in the league since the break (wins over SA, BOS, DET, DAL) and can DEFINITELY do some damage.

Toronto Raptors:
I truly believe Colangelo, their GM, is quite possibly top 5 in the league. He's built a team to last. Chris Bosh (22 ppg, 9 rpg, 1 spg, 1 bpg), the teams resident superstar, is, well, a monster. The rest of the team is built with good, not great players (Anthony Parker, TJ Ford, Jose Calderon) with nice contracts. Former no. 1 pick Andrea Bargiani is an OK player now, but may develop into something down the road. The problem with good but not great players and teams is simple: during the season, they may beat up on crappy teams and middle of the road teams, but when they're in the playoffs, they get blown out by the marquee teams. Oh well. As an Eagles fan, I've learned to appreciate making the playoffs but never winning the big one.  Get used to it, Toronto.

Atlanta Hawks:
No, that is not a typo. The Atlanta Hawks (yes, those Atlanta Hawks) are most likely making the playoffs. No seriously, I'm not lying. Don't get too excited; if the playoffs started today, they'd be the only team in the league to make the playoffs with a losing record (36-42). Their best player is a man whose best days are behind him (Mike Bibby had his glory days with C-Webb, Peja and that Kings team that should have beaten Shaq's Lakers) and someone who doesn't care about winning (Joe Johnson, who left the Suns for the Hawks. yeah, he stooped that low). The good thing about this team is the upside. Hey, if you're terrible every year, at least you get high draft picks, right? Al Horford, Josh Smith, Acie Law, and Marvin Williams will all be good one day. Just not good enough.

Predictions:
BOS over ATL in 4- Congrats, Atlanta! Your prize for making the playoffs-the right to play Boston! Enjoy!
DET over TOR in 5- Detroit's D smothers Bosh and the rest of the Raps.
PHI over ORL in 7- Usually, a 6-3 series isn't too exciting. But the Sixers are better than their record.
CLE over WAS in 4- Washington, meet Mr. James... oh, you two know each other already?

BOS over CLE in 5- The King was hoping to see the Pistons here, but ran into an angry KG instead.
DET over PHI in 7- A much improved Sixers team pushes the Pistons to the limit.

BOS over DET in 7- A battle for the ages. KG vs. Rasheed, Pierce vs. Rip and Chauncey, Tayshaun vs. Allen, can it get any better? I think not.
EC Champs- Boston.

By the way, I think either the Celtics or the Pistons can and will win the NBA Finals, no matter what allegedly superior WC team they have to beat.

Eastern Conference

While everyone at ESPN, Sports Illustrated and (insert national media outlet here) is going on and on writing the 50,485th story about how amazing the Western Conference playoffs are going to be, here at 4th and 26 the topic of discussion is the Eastern Conference playoffs (or the Leastern conference, as the "elites" in the West will have you believe). Let me remind you arrogant West Coasters that the east has taken two of the last four titles, and are primed to gather another one. 3 of 5 titles, or a superior out of conference record- which is more impressive? That's what I thought. On to the breakdown of the probable teams:

Boston Celtics:
What is there to say about Boston that hasn't been said? The Boston Three-Party (among other names) of Paul Pierce (19.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg), Ray Allen (17.9, 3.7, 3.9), and Kevin Garnett (19, 9.3. 3.9) is the favorite for the title. They have the best record in the league, a dominating record vs. the west, and a sweep of the fabled "Texas Triangle" (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio). Throw in some talented young guys (Rondo, Perkins, Big Baby) and the veteran presence of Sam Cassell, and what's not to like?
Well, for one, these guys haven't exactly performed spectacularly in the playoffs in the past. And Doc Rivers may have wore down his starters during the regular season. But those are minor concerns compared to the rest of the East. The Celtics are the definitive favorites.

Detroit Pistons:
The Spurs of the East- the team nobody wants to face. The team that lurks in the background, waiting to pounce and give you another ratings-killing finals and sound defense. This is without question one of the best and most experienced quartets in the league. Tayshaun Prince and his long arms and dogged defense. Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups and his rugged leadership. Richard "Rip" Hamilton (the one with mask, for all you non basketball fans) and his silky smooth jumper. And who can forget everyone's favorite ex- Jailblazer, your defending Technical Foul Champion for years running, Rasheed Wallace. They have some questions at center, but the supporting cast is filled with youthful future stars. I really feel Jason Maxiell is going to be a fantastic player someday. Watch out for this club- they can beat the Celtics. Emphasis on "can". Should be an amazing EC Final if they both make it.

Orlando Magic:
Dwight Howard is the best Center in the league. There is no contest. He has taken the mantle from the Diesel. 20.8 ppg and 15.4 rpg. make him the almost unanimous choice for All NBA First Team Center. Outside of him, they have the well-paid Rashard Lewis, who never really found his groove in Orlando, but is still a solid player. Hedo Turkoglu is a well-deserved candidate for Most Improved Player. Jameer Nelson, a Philadelphia hero, is a contributor as well.
(Oh, and on a side note: to all college basketball announcers and well-meaning friends of mine who told me JJ Redick was going to be a good player in the NBA: I told you so. 0 Games Started, 43 % FG, and 3.5 ppg. Speaking of which, whatever happened to Christian Laettner?)

Cleveland Cavaliers:
LeBron James. 30.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.8 bpg, 1.0 spg... I could go on, but that would just be because there's nothing to write about for the rest of the team. LeBron James is the team. Big Z is an OK player, but OK doesn't win championships. Wally Sczerbiak just hasn't looked comfortable since the trade. And Ben Wallace is probably telling Daniel Gibson that back in his day, he walked uphill both ways to the NBA Championship, and is struggling to remember whether he guarded Shaq or Kareem or possibly Mikan in the finals. Oh well. If Bron-Bron catches fire, this team can go places. If not, first round exit. Simple as that. Did I mention LeBron James plays for this team?

The rest of the playoff teams and predictions either after class or tomorrow.. whichever I feel like. Thanks for reading.