76ers Take 2-1 Series Lead

The 76ers won on Friday night to take a 2-1 series lead over the Orlando Magic. In a game that had the opposite flow of the first two games, the Sixers blew a large 17-point lead, but ended up winning the game down the stretch.

The Sixers lead this game the whole first half, and into the 3rd quarter. Halfway through the 3rd quarter, the Sixers stretched the lead to 17. However, the Magic came back with their three point shooting. Dwight Howard was a beast in this game, but the comeback was made possible with multiple threes from Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus. Even with Dwight Howard going off for 36, the Sixers held it together, and held off the Magic to take the series lead.

The Sixers were able to get out to the big lead due to their transition game. The Andre Brothers (Miller & Iguodala), were solid to start this game. Iguodala was scoring in transition, and actually making his jumpers. Andre Miller was doing what he has done this whole series, and doing whatever he has wanted to do against Rafer Alston. Down the stretch, the Sixers were up two with 10 seconds left, when Andre Miller missed a runner in the lane. The Magic inbounded the ball to Dwight Howard down low, who was fouled right away. Howard drained two clutch free throws to tie the game at 94. On the final possession, Thaddeus Young has the ball in his hands, drove to the lane, was tied up by Dwight Howard, regained possession of the ball, and put up a layup over Howard and Lewis to win the game. Andre Miller, who has been fantastic in this series lead the Sixers with 24 points, 7 assists, and 9 rebounds. Iguodala lead the Sixers scorers with 29, and Willie Green had 12.

The Sixers still need to improve if they want to win this series. They can't settle, and be happy to win two games against the Magic. The Magic are there for the taking, and the Sixers need to take advantage. The Magic are going to come out with a mission in Game 4, and the Sixers will need to match their intensity. The Sixers have a 2-1 series lead, and pick up the series Game 4, Sunday night in Philadelphia.