Monday, April 25, 2011
Posted: 6:55 p.m.
By Reuben Frank
CSNPhilly.com
Doug Collins understands that the Sixers most likely arent going to win their playoff series with the Heat. Still, he cant help believing that their 86-82 win Sunday afternoon was a major step for his young team.
Its that validation, Collins said after a quick practice Monday at PCOM. Theres that feeling that we can do it. You wonder, Can you? I felt all along we could, but sometimes you just have to get through that mental hurdle, and I think we did that yesterday.
I know Miami wanted to close that series out yesterday. They dont want to play any more games, especially with Boston sweeping. They know that weve beaten them and two other games weve played them well, so were going down there with the idea that were coming back here for Game 6.
The Heat still lead their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series three games to one, with Game 6 scheduled for Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
To avert a sweep, the Sixers had to come back from a 73-66 deficit with 8 minutes left and an 82-76 deficit with 1 minutes left.
NBA
The win ended the Heats 10-game winning streak over the Sixers that dated back to an 85-77 win in 2009.
It would have been very easy for our guys, with nine minutes left, down seven, to say, You know what, we cant do it. And they wouldnt do that. ...
I just felt really good about our guys. Being around them as much as I have this year, I knew they were ready, and I was just so happy they could finally find a way to get over the top against Miami. Weve had some close games with them, and theyve always trumped us down the wire.
The interesting thing was it happened so quickly yesterday. It was like were down 6-0 and then all of a sudden, Were winning. It happened so fast, and I think thats how you have to win against a team like thatyou almost have to hit them so quickly at the end they dont know whats happening.
Physical minutes from Battie
Collins was happy with a physical 12-minute run from veteran post player Tony Battie, who didnt score but had four rebounds and two blocks while giving Elton Brand a break.
Tony gave us 12 really good minutes yesterday, so when I looked at it, E.B. had 35 (minutes), Collins said. And I think the difference with E.B. getting that block (of LeBron James potential game-tying shot) at the end of the game or not, was that if he played 40, I dont think he could have gotten there. I dont think he would have had the legs to get there.
We feel good about him being out there and he could get some more minutes in Game 5.
Young struggling
After picking up 38 points and 17 rebounds in the first two games, Thaddeus Young has struggled the last two games, netting just six points and seven boards on 2-for-12 shooting.
Evan Turner got Youngs late-game minutes Sunday and delivered several big plays on both ends. Youngs game is transition, and the Heat havent let the Sixers run.
Theyre trying to take away his easy baskets, Collins said. Thad lives in the paint, and Joel Anthony has used his quickness and strength (to defend Young).
The one thing I just told Thad is just slow down a little bit on offense. Sometimes he gets going a little bit too quick. Were going to need him. He had a great Game 1 down there and Game 2 he finally worked himself into a good game just with his continuous hustle.
I dont want Thad to put pressure on himself that this is about him scoring points. ... I want Thad to relax, I want him to keep playing with that energy.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com
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