Sixers 'Happy' on Easter

ALL PICS COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS AND GETTY IMAGES

My first playoff experience, a success!

On Easter Sunday, I made a trip to the Wells Fargo Center for game four of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat series.  This would be an Easter I would never forget.  

As I departed on the PATCO train from Collingswood to Philadelphia, I witnessed many Heat fans aboard.  I was thinking, when did Philadelphia turn into Miami? O wait, since the Big Three consisting of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh set sail in Miami; it seems like everyone decided to hop on their bandwagon.      

Making our way into the stadium, my friend and I observed the playoff atmosphere around us.  Decorations including balloons, rally towels and "Show Ya Luv" t-shirts were set on display by fans as well as souvenir stands.  

As we checked our tickets, we took the escalators up to section 210 row 15.  Yes people, we had the the tippy-top seats known to many as the "nose bleeders."  However, our seats had a great view of both teams and we didn't need to worry about sitting down for the people behind us.    

The introductions of the Sixers players were literally a "blast" to watch.  Flames blew directly upwards as each person was introduced; you could actually feel the steam of the HEAT rub against your face.  

Finally, the game had begun.  Terrific teamwork plays by Wade and James were amazing to watch.  The athleticism of these two men were incredible, looking a step faster than any other player on the court.  

Despite the spotlight being on the superstar-stacked Heat team, the main story of the day were my Sixers. 

They came out to a strong start, leading by as many as 16 at one point in the first half.  

Then, as expected, the Heat started their comeback and led at halftime.  

As the game wore on into the 4th quarter, the Sixers showed their intensity.  Key plays by Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday propelled the Sixers to a lesser deficit.  

With 8 seconds left, Williams hit an unexpected three and gave the Sixers a two point lead.  Williams's three secured the Sixers a win after James and Wade missed their final shot attempts in the closing seconds.  

When that three swished through the basket, my friend and I exploded with joy, high-fiving everyone in our row.  The excitement of the crowd was overwhelming and a sight that I will remember for a long time.  

I know the series is at 3-1, but you never know with a dangerous young team like the Sixers.  They may pull an improbable comeback against Goliath and advance into the next round.  I know it is unlikely, yet as Philly fans, we are always faithful and have pride in our teams no matter the circumstances.

I got three words for you: BEAT THE HEAT!    

P.S.  The Flyers and Phillies won as well...What a great day it was to be a Philadelphia fan!

El Clasico

Photo courtesy of oleole.com

Can't get enough of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid?  Well, the month of April is your lucky month.

First we start with El Clasico, which begins tomorrow (Apr.16 at 4 p.m.).  It is considered by many soccer fans globally as one of the most heated rivalry club games ever to be played.     

This meeting, however, is slightly different compared to the last 5-0 whooping Barcelona put on Real Madrid last November; tomorrow's game will be less significant to others played in the past because of situations that have occurred in La Liga standings (Barcelona ahead 8 points over Madrid) and Champions League play.  As you all of heard by now, Barcelona will be facing Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final on Apr. 27.      

Decisions on both sides will have to be made whether to start their starters or give them a much needed rest for the Champions League semi-final. 

I'm sure Barcelona and Madrid fans will not appreciate their team "playing scared" or showing a "lack of effort" per say, in a game that not only represents a team, but a section of Spain.  Pride is what Spaniards live off of and being embarrassed by your rivals will simply not be tolerated.  

I believe coaches Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will seek the fan's perspective and play their starters come Saturday night.  Resting players will benefit their health for the future, but El Clasico is a spectacle that cannot be ignored.  It is history on wheels.  

On-lookers will be able to witness the tenacious, yet brilliant play of Lionel Messi as well as the skillful play of Cristiano Ronaldo.  Xavi Hernadez's elegant play in the midfield will also be shadowed by the prodigy Mesut Ozil.  Carles Puyol, now scheduled to make an appearance Saturday night, will clean up the dirty work in the back, giving Victor Valdes a safety valve.  On the other side of the pitch, Pepe will be the man backing up Iker Casillas. Strikers David Villa and newly-acquired Emmanuel Adebayor will hope to punish opposing defenders and continue their streak of goals.            

When Saturday night comes to an end, soccer fans will enjoy a series of three more games between Real Madrid and Barcelona.  The Copa del Ray final (Apr.20) is another Spanish Cup that will have the two intertwine again.  Last but not least, the two legs of the Champions League semi-final will be where the pit bulls are released from their cages.  Two superiors going at it in a battle for a spot in the Champions League final.  

Who will come out victorious you ask?  The month of April will provide you with those answers.

STAY TUNED MY FRIENDS!

Playoff Bound Sixers

As I walked into the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia Friday night, I felt a playoff type atmosphere looming in the vivacious crowd.  Being a 76ers fan, which usually means not experiencing the excitement of playoff basketball as often as I would like, probably since the Pat Croce era, finally felt good for once.

Even though I arrived 30 minutes late, thanks to a reckless person I will not mention, I still felt the excitement rub off onto to me from the fans who still were most likely redeeming themselves from a Phillies walk-off win Friday afternoon.

The Sixers fed off the Phillies victory by crushing the struggling New Jersey Nets 115-90, clinching a playoff spot.

Every Sixer, in my book, had a great game.  Yes, even Jason Kapono got some minutes.

However, Thaddeus Young stood out in my mind, racking up 22 points.  He highlighted the team with some spectacular dunks and alley-oops, wowing the crowd.

He is currently the MVP for the Sixers.  Avery Johnson, coach of the New Jersey Nets, even had great things to say about the youngster saying if it wasn't for Young the Sixers would not be in the position they are in right now, according to an article in the Courier Post.

Andre Iguodala, Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand and Jodie Meeks all played their role well.  They all hit their shots in key moments of the game to keep the momentum on their side and not let a struggling team get back into the game.

Doug Collins, coach of the Sixers and in my opinion coach of the year, has this team  rolling on all cylinders.  He can bring players off the bench such as Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, Evan Turner and Andres Nocioni and still feel confident in their contributions.

Battling back from a 3-13 start to a 40-36 record is very impressive in my book.  A lot of credit has to go to the coach having faith in his players and giving them the inspiration they need in turning the ship around.

The Sixers have won their last three and hope to continue their streak against Milwaukee tonight.

Can you say "bring on Miami or Boston in the playoffs?"