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?"