Another close game, another heart breaking loss for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers began the home stint the same way they began their recent road trip, with a loss to the Washington Wizards.
After a strong first half the Sixers went into halftime with a 14 point (58-44) lead. Coming out of the break the team went flat allowing Washington to get within two at the end of the third (80-78). The reason for all of this.... Samuel Dalembert.
I know this seems crazy but in the first half of Mondays loss to the Wizards Sammy D had 12 points and 10 rebounds yet for some reason only played 5:35 of the third quarter as the Sixers allowed Washington forward Antawn Jamison to work them in the paint ending the third with 16 points and seven boards. The reason for this problem... Terrible clock and player management.
Not only were they flat in the third but in the final stanza the team shot a dismal six-of-17 from the field in pace to a 17 point fourth quarter.
Once again when it came down to crunch time Eddie Jordan did not have the right personnel on the court and when Washington made their surge, the players that could help heed the surge were sitting on the bench watching it happen.
The Sixers (10-24) had three players end the game in double figures including the before mentioned Samuel Dalembert who ended with 20 points and 20 boards. Andre Iguodala finished with a 20 point six rebound and eight assist night and guard Lou Williams finished with 19 points including 50% from three (3-6).
The reason for Washington's win was Antawn Jamison, whom beyond his 16 point third quarter finished with a game high 32 points and a team high 14 boards. Also for Washington was guard Gilbert Arenas who ended with an non-tradition double double ending with 19 points and 14 assists just hours before the news he is indefinitely suspended due to his pending gun charges.
The Wizards (11-21) swept the season series with the Sixers and prevented coach Eddie Jordan from getting revenge on the team that fired him after a 1-10 start last season... The real question is, did Washington know something Philadelphia doesn't. Apparently so.
Next up for the Sixers is a visit from the 17-18 Toronto Raptors. Game time is set for 7pm.
-b.chan
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