Sixers Need to Finish
When watching the first half of basically any 76ers game you may get the impression that they are a team that is atop their division and conference. Then after a break at halftime, as you continue to watch the game, it becomes clear that they cannot finish games and as a result are amidst the bottom of both their division and conference. Comcast Sportsnet this morning was talking about how the Sixers need to come out after half time with adjustments and the same type of intensity that they play with in the first half.
What that comes down to is coaching. Eddie Jordan obviously needs to see that the team in the second half just falls apart. The Sixers have had a double digit lead at some point in each of their past 6 losses. Giving up big leads happens because basketball is a game of streaks and runs, however you can’t lose consistently by giving up leads. The coaching staff as a whole needs to prepare for the second half better. Opposing teams that go into halftime losing against the Sixers, make the necessary adjustments and its apparent that they figure out how to shut down or limit the Sixers in the second half. Eddie Jordan needs to do the same thing in making adjustments that counteract the other teams changes. If they start to shut down the inside game, then focus on the dribble drive and kick, hit some threes and make them spread out their defense.
The Sixers can play, but they need to play for 4 quarters. Their defense has improved and Eddie Jordan made it clear that if guys want to play they need to D up, which is an approach I like. Now he needs to get them involved in the whole game.
