Sixers Fall in Game 2

The Sixers couldn't do the unthinkable and take the first two games of the series in Orlando. The Sixers fought hard, but fell to the host Magic 96-87. The game had a fairly similar ebb and flow to Game 1.

The Sixers jumped out to an early lead much like they did in the first game, and held the lead most of the 1st quarter. Andre Miller came out on fire abusing Rafer Alston, but he was really the only Sixer who could get anything going early except for Thaddeus Young. As the 2nd quarter went on, the Magic beared down on defense, and held the Sixers to 18 2nd quarter points, and the Magic took a 7 point halftime lead. The Magic then went up big at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, just like Game 1. But the Sixers fought back, and after an Iguodala three pointer, the Magic lead was down to 5 points with Dwight Howard on the bench having fouled out. But the Sixers resorted to shooting jump shots after Howard fouled out and were never able to close any further.

The Sixers continue to get virtually nothing from Dalembert or Willie Green. Miller, Iguodala, and Young all had 20+, led by Andre Miller's 30. Besides those three players, the next leading scorer was Marreese Speights with 5. Lou Williams couldn't get much going and finished the game shooting 2-10. The outside shooting just flat out was not there, especially down the stretch. The Sixers did not get the ball inside enough, and shot the ball way too much early in the shot clock without working their half court offense. They also need to get out and try to run after a rebound, and if nothing is there, then slow it down. The Sixers have not been trying to even see if they can get out and get anything in transition as much as they should.

While they did close in the 4th quarter to make it close, just like they did in Game 1, the Sixers are not going to win this series if they continue to get behind by double digits. They need to start playing from ahead. They are playing decently on defense, making the Magic make their outside shots, which Courtney Lee did well tonight.

Either way, it cannot be considered a disappointment coming back here to Philly tied 1-1. The Sixers now have the home court advantage, and hopefully can come out ready to go in Game 3.