Sixers seek to swing momentum back in their direction

The Philadelphia 76ers look to take a 3-2 series lead in Monday night's game against the Boston Celtics.  Photo courtesy of the700level.com

Seize an opportunity that is staring you directly in the face.  That, Sixers' fans, is exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to do Monday night as they take on the Boston Celtics in a pivotal game five, where they could take a 3-2 series lead, heading into Philadelphia for the clincher.

After an incredible come-from-behind game four victory, the Sixers have the momentum back in their favor.  However, momentum has not particularly worked in this series; no team has had continuous wins.

Photo Courtesy of phillybubrs.com

So, when momentum doesn't work, every player has to avoid panicking before their team ends up in a deep hole.

Sixers rookie power forward Lavoy Allen is a prime example.  Although he is 23-years-old, Allen, the Temple product, has showed his maturity during the playoffs, keeping calm in pressure situations as well as closely defending the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, a 14-time All Star.  Allen, Elton Brand's alternate, has been dominant on the boards, being in the right position at the right time.

Doug Collins has praised Allen's play, his efforts and his peaceful demeanor.  The Sixers head coach believes that there should be a "Lavoy Allen Day" for everyone.  What Collins meant by that was that Allen never shows his emotions and could careless what's going on around him.  He doesn't talk much nor does he let the words of Garnett induce his mindset.

Photo Courtesy of zimbio.com

With the Sixers going into Boston Monday night, they look to get more late-game production from Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young.  Those players ignited the miracle comeback in game four, giving their team a heck of a lot more confidence than in the regular season where they didn't have anyone to go to in the final minutes of regulation.

Iguodala and Brand have taken the role as leaders of their youthful team.  Now, let's see if this youth can break the momentum trend in this series, and give the Sixers a better view of the Eastern Conference Finals.