Monday Night Links
March 8th, 2010 | by Kevin Hanson |Putting an end to the team’s five-game losing streak, the Sixers beat the Raptors yesterday as rookie Jrue Holiday scored 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting in addition to his seven rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Thaddeus Young scored a career-high 32 points.
However, Marreese Speights left the game with a sprained knee and there’s no timetable for his return.
When it rains, it pours. Not only is Allen Iverson dealing with the undisclosed illness of his 4-year old daughter and the divorce for which his wife Tawanna has filed, but he also could “either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away” if he doesn’t get help soon, according to Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Sixers moved up two spots to 21st in the latest ESPN NBA Power Rankings by Marc Stein.
Jason Kapono said of his lack of playing time, “It’s been the toughest stretch for me personally since my first year. It’s basically not really playing on a consistent level. It’s a challenge, but it’s the NBA. That’s how it goes. Sometimes it may not be fair and you may not think it’s right, but it is what it is. You show up to practice every day with a positive attitude, try to get your work done and hope for the best. The last couple of months, I’ve been the odd man out.”
From now until March 19th, the Sixers play five games (out of seven) against teams with a losing record including two games against the Knicks (21-41) and one against the Pacers (20-43). From March 20th through the end of the season, the Sixers play only two games (out of 13) against opponents with a losing record – Charlotte (30-31) and Detroit (22-41).
Eight teams have a worse record than the Sixers, who are 23-39: Nets (7-55), Timberwolves (14-49), Warriors (17-45), Pacers (20-43), Kings (21-42), Knicks (21-41), Wizards (21-39) and Pistons (22-41).
Per Howard Eskin (via Liberty Ballers), Eddie Jordan won’t be back next season. His replacement? Jay Wright, Jeff Van Gundy, Doug Collins or Avery Johnson. Like Liberty Ballers, I agree that Van Gundy would be the best option as he points out that a JVG-coached team has finished in the top eight defensively in 10 of his 11 seasons.
Tags: Allen Iverson, Eddie Jordan, jrue holiday, Marreese Speights, Thaddeus Young
