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The Philadelphia 76ers have begun to make some noise in the Atlantic Division after starting the season with an array of losses that led many to think the team was going to yet again be in rebuilding mode. Enter: some new talent in the likes of Jodie Meeks and Spencer Hawes. These two men have taken a responsibility to provide quality minutes for an organization who pondered trading their star player in Andre Iguodala. That still might not be out of the question, because fans believe he is not star caliber and able to be the face of the franchise any longer. Ask any Sixers fan and I bet they think about it.

Now, on the other hand on a cold, blustery night, the day after Christmas the Sixers have chalked up a huge road win. The Sixers traveled into Denver and took the game right out from underneath the Nuggets. The Philly line up made big shots down the stretch and did not allow their lead to be diminished. The Sixers posted a confident building 95-89 victory that saw Meeks net 17 points and Hawes chime in with three. But, Hawes played 20 minutes and provided six rebounds and three assists. Meeks chimed in with two three pointers, one down the stretch that proved to be a dagger and was 9-for-10 from the free throw line. Thad Young had a game with 20 points and 7 boards and the chalk this one up in the wins column.

Along with getting a nice road win, the Sixers improved to 12-18 on the year. Following behind the resurging New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic, have the Sixers finally found an equation for their once incomprehensible problem? Meeks played his college ball at Kentucky and was a pure scorer. He can shoot the rock with the best of them and is finally getting his opportunity to do so. Hawes is a nice talent and has good size and range on his jumper. He’ll give you quality minutes without seeming like a bone head and always fouling opponents on the floor. Bottom line, he’s productive. Evan Turn, the rookie needs to really step it up. Whether it be film sessions, more practice reps and getting up more shots, he should be way ahead of where he is right now. And trust, Philly needs that.

So, can we expect more big wins from the City of Brotherly Love? Or are we just going to write and talk about the occasional big game that they happen to some how put together? Doug Collins has a lot on his plate and with the help of Meeks, Hawes and Young could rightfully develop a further equation that includes Turner. If that can take place, the Sixers just may be a competitor in the Atlantic Division. Someday.

Peace Up, Threes Down!

By Brian Gray – Kiss The Rim

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