It's Klinsmann's Turn

Photo courtesy of futegoal.com

The Jurgen Klinsmann era for the United States Men's National Team kicked off Wednesday night under the shining lights of Lincoln Financial Field in the city of "Brotherly Love."  The US squared up against their nemesis, Mexico.

During their last meeting with Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the US looked like they were going to upset the  Mexicans by taking a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes of the first half.  However, after that, the Americans looked like a team that were beaten and just out worked with pace.  Mexico scored four straight goals, beating the Americans by a score of 4-2.    

By adding Klinsmann to their coaching staff and firing Bob Bradley, the Americans obviously wanted to search for a new sort of style or swagger to their game plan; a European style, perhaps.  Klinsmann brings an attacking style of play mirroring his days as a premier striker for West Germany.  Defensively, he wants his players to attack every ball, giving the opponents limited time to set up a play, similarly to Barcelona's defensive tactics.

In their friendly match on Wednesday night, the US looked to win back their confidence.  They had to accomplish this against a strong, newly ranked Mexican team.  Some superstars from both teams did not make the trip to Philadelphia.  This included Clint Dempsey as well as Freddy Adu and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
                     
                        Photo courtesy of Masona Lam
As a few friends and I walked up the steps to enter Lincoln Financial Field, we heard the cheers and chants of the thousands of supporters that made it on a strangely scheduled Wednesday night game.  Perhaps that was the reason why there weren't as many fans as many anticipated there to be.  An attendance of around 30,000 showed up for the bitter, rivalry game.

The game had finally started.  I was in a section where it was tough to find a single American fan.  You could say I was a loner and very prone to hecklers; even my friends were Mexican fans.  Well so be it, I had to still show my American pride.

In the 17th minute, Mexico's Oribe Peralta scored on a flick from a hard-driven cross into the box.  Mexican fans around me cheered with excitement as I was left sitting there shaking my head.  The United States could not get a single shot off in the first half.  "What a disappointing start it was to the Klinsmann era," I kept repeating to myself.

During halftime, my friends and I went to the concessions to grab a couple of refreshments.  As we did, a group of American and Mexican fans starting jumping around chanting their countries.  Shocked and urged to join the mob, we threw ourselves in and hopped around with the others.  Many people around us grabbed their cameras and videotaped the recklessness.  Hopefully, it can be found on Youtube.

The Americans finally showed some life during the middle of the second half.  Substitutes such as Brek Shea, Robbie Rogers and Juan Aguedelo brought a spark of life that was much needed.  Players started distributing the ball well and creativity progressively developed.

An opportunity arrived for Rogers.  As soon as he got into the game, he received a well crossed ball by the blond headed, faux-hawked Shea or as I call him, the American Fernando Torres.  Shea worked hard to send a cross that met Rogers's foot for the open goal finish.

The game had ended in a 1-1 draw.  Many members of the crowd wanted an extra time, but hey, you can't always get what you want.  Both teams looked to be satisfied with a tie.  Klinsmann showed a sigh of relief when his squad netted the equalizing goal.

The Americans still need a lot of work to contend with world-class teams.  However, the second half showed a glimpse of how the youth system are some what improving their style of play.  Hopefully, the way they played the second half can transfer over to their next game.  Improvements need to be shown as soon as possible.  2014 is around the corner.  I think if anyone can do it, Klinsmann can be the one to change American soccer.              

    

The Crossbar Challenge

Preseason camp is just around the corner.  Me and a couple of the fellas (Mike Goldstein and Frank Tweneboa) from my neighborhood decided to have our own little session.  We went through at least an hour and a half of straight shooting drills, each drill coming from different angles.  At the end of our session, we decided to have some fun and try the crossbar challenge.  Whoever hits the crossbar first, wins.  Let's see how it went...     

As you can see, irony played a huge role during this challenge.  Never challenge a blogger who speaks of their blog in vain; it will come back to haunt them as Goldstein had to find out the hard way.  Stay humble my friends.  

Making Moves

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

First 24 hours of free agency, nothing; all you could hear from the Philadelphia Eagles organization was a tiny pin drop.  Fans around Eagles nation thought to themselves, "When and what will the first move be?"  Little did they know what was in store for them the next 72 hours.

• It started off with the signing of Jason Babin, a pro bowl defensive-end from the Tennessee Titans.  Babin was also a former Eagle let go two years ago.  He did not make his presence known here as an Eagle, however, thrived in the Titans system.  Newly acquired defensive line coach, Jim Washburn, was also the defensive line coach for the Titans last year.  He worked with Babin in Tennessee and made him into the player he is now; they are once again, reunited.  Recording 12.5 sacks last year, Babin looks to compliment defensive-end Trent Cole on the other side of the line. 

• Trade rumors swirling about Kevin Kolb had finally ended.  He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round draft pick.  Cromartie, a pro bowl defensive back, is a player known for his footwork and speed.  He recorded three interceptions last year as well as 44 tackles. Cromartie looks to bolster an already dominant backfield.        

• Then it was the signings of Donald Lee and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Lee, a tight-end for the reigning Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers, served as a backup.  In 15 games played last year, he recorded three touchdowns.  Lee is another big body to add to the Eagles offensive arsenal.  Higgins, a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, made more of an impact on the special team's side of the ball.  He is a punt return specialist.  This will give Desean Jackson a well deserved breather in the punt return game.  

• With Kolb gone, the Eagles were looking for a veteran quarterback to backup starter Michael Vick.  This is where Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans came into the picture. Young, a two-time pro bowler, has been an inconsistent player.  He has been through his ups and downs from controversial rumors dealing with suicidal thoughts to being the leader in Tennessee.  He feels that he can learn a tremendous amount from Vick.  Vick could guide him as a mentor and make him into a better player on-and-off the field.  If Vick, God forbid, goes down this year, we will have a comfortable replacement to look to. 

• The transactions did not stop there.  In a blink of an eye, they stole the number one coveted prized free agent, Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders.  Asomugha, labeled as the second best cornerback in the league behind the Jets Darrelle Revis, was in strong talks with the Jets and Cowboys.  How strong you might say?  Well, Jets coach Rex Ryan spoke with actor Adam Sandler to try and persuade Asomugha to come to New York.  Why Adam Sandler, right?  Asomugha wants to be an actor when his playing days are over, so Ryan used networking as his bait.  He thought Sandler could provide a significant connection to jump start Asomugha's acting career when his football career ends.  That Ryan sure is a sneaky little trickster.  However, in a last second decision, Asomugha had a change of heart and signed with the Eagles instead.  This provides the Eagles with a frightening secondary: Asante Samuel, Cromartie and Asmougha; teams will think twice every time they throw it. Asomugha may not have the typical stats a top cornerback in the league would have.  That is because every quarterback in the league is afraid to throw his way.  

• Another huge addition to the defensive line was made Saturday afternoon.  Run stuffer and pass rusher Cullen Jenkins, brother of Kris Jenkins from the Jets, was signed by the Eagles.  Jenkins recorded seven sacks in 11 games for the Packers last year.  This prompted a trade.  Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was then traded to the Cleveland Browns for draft picks.  Jenkins will give the defensive line more of a push and enable them to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks.  Evan Mathis, a guard from the Cincinnati Bengals, was also picked up by the Eagles early Sunday morning.  

Eagles Look to Make a Splash in Free Agency

When the players and owners of the NFL decide to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, which looks to be before the fourth of July, the chains on the NFL can finally be unlocked and free agency can begin for teams looking to add firepower or depth.  

The Philadelphia Eagles look to be one of those eager teams that are willing to make a splash in free agency.  Rumors are circulating about possible players they may acquire. The following are the possible pick-ups the Eagles are hoping to make: 

1.  Acquiring Reggie Bush: Bush is on the free-agent market list and is looking to land with a contending team. The Eagles love running backs who are quick, small and can catch passes out of the backfield.  Bush fits the Eagles offense perfectly, yet Lesean McCoy is the starter.  Bush wants to be a starter, however, who would say no to an already explosive offense.  I am sure a tandem of Bush and McCoy would look pretty intimidating to opposing defenses.  Bush could add his talents to kick and punt returning as well, giving Desean Jackson a break and reducing his chances of getting injured.  The Eagles also have to think about their fifth round draft pick, Dion Lewis(Univ of Pitt), and his opportunities of becoming a part of the one-two punch.  According to Yahoo Sports, Bush has also received interest from the Dolphins, Steelers, Seahawks and Giants.  

2.  Acquiring Plaxico Burress: Burress is looking to rebound and mimic Michael Vick's path to recovery after recently being released from jail because of several gun charges.  He might have the chance to do that in an Eagles uniform.  The Eagles are not new to giving players a second chance; just ask Michael Vick.  Burress could provide a spark in the red zone for the Eagles, creating a new threat at the receiver position.  Jackson is an explosive, down-the-field type receiver, while Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant are possessive type receivers who will take a hit in the open-field for the first down.  Burress will compliment these receivers and give them another weapon to their collection.   

3.  Acquiring Albert Haynesworth:  Haynesworth caused a lot of havoc in Washington from his complaints about the Redskins defensive scheme to not being able to pass the team's conditioning test.  However, with newly acquired defensive-line coach Jim Washburn, the Eagles may take a risk on the run-stuffing abilities of Haynesworth.  Washburn, who was Haynesworth's former defensive line coach at the Tennessee Titans, wants Haynesworth and feels he can make him into the dominant player he was when he was with the Titans.  Ranked 15th in the NFL in run defense, the Eagles look to fix that issue by adding a plug into the hole of their defense.  Ryan Starks of the Green Bay Packers exposed it, now will Haynesworth be the one to stop it?  

Other possible acquisitions: Nnamdi Asomugha (CB/Oakland Raiders) and Ike Taylor (CB/Pittsburgh Steelers) 

MAV-TASTIC

                     Dirk Nowitzki: 1                LeBron James: 0

After last night's game six finale, Nowitzki earned a step over James in the championship ring category.

The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA title in franchise history, beating the Heat 4-2 in a series that contained both drama and class. (For once, I was rooting for a Dallas team.  I guess for basketball it is different.)    

The drama was started by none-other-than the duo of James and Wade.  Cameras caught them mocking Nowitzki before game five by faking their coughs and laughing as they walked into the stadium.  This came from a guy (Wade) who had to get wheel-chaired off the court because of a shoulder injury and another (James) who whines to the refs for a foul every time he drives to the basket.

Before James came to Miami, Wade never was criticized for his controversial actions.  Wade was a soft-spoken man who played and acted with class.  James' demeanor has now caught on to Wade as well as Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat.  This may be a reason why they are considered the villains of the NBA.    

Nowitzki was upset to find out about the mocking and thought of it as immature and disrespectful.  His response, however, was not to get caught up with the drama and just let his play do the talking; now that's class at its finest.  

Nowitzki's play set the tone for the series.  This series will be remembered in the NBA films memorabilia as Nowitzki hitting huge shots in crunch time and propelling his team to their first NBA title.

With a possible NBA lockout looming in the off-season, the Heat may not have the luxury of having the big three together for another year.  So for James, it is either finding a new team with an All-Star squad or staying in Miami and trying to win a championship in order to keep his Michael Jordan comparisons alive. On the other hand, Nowitzki's Larry Bird correlations are certainly still in tact. 

  

Mavs, Heat Meet in the NBA Finals

Photo courtesy of callthecomputerdoctor.com

The Dallas Mavericks are matched up against the Miami Heat in an epic NBA final showdown.  The NBA got exactly what they wanted, two high-powered offensive teams.

What can you say about the 2011 NBA playoffs?  They have been a thrill to watch this year.  Every match-up has been intense, even with teams that got swept or only won one of the four games.

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls series, which ended last Thursday night, didn't feel like a five-game series at all.  Derrick Rose and the Bulls put their sweat and tears into the series, but LeBron James and company were just too much to handle.

Rose came up short.  James came up big.  Simple as that.

Time and time again in the series, Rose had chances to be a hero and help his team come out victorious.  However, Rose came up small.  Instances such as having two opportunities in the closing minutes to put his team up ahead in game four as well as a missed free throw in game five with 25 seconds left in regulation.  

On the other side of the court, James showed how dominant he really is.  I am not too fond of his character, but the man is a force to be reckoned with.  Erik Spolestra, the Heat coach, had difficulty of choosing who to give the ball to for a game-winning shot during the season.  He should have no problems now because James is on a mission; a mission for a ring.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have also chipped in tremendously as well.  Wade's shoulder had been bothering him the last couple of games, however, he came up strong when his team needed it the most, blocking two shots in the final two minutes of game five.  Bosh's jumpers from just inside the three-point line has reeked havoc on defenders. Bench help from Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem is important because resting the big three will provide a possible late run in the fourth quarter.

Now, we will go to the Heat's opponent in the finals, the Dallas Mavericks.

Led by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavs are creeping closer to their first NBA title.  Nowitzki has received comparisons to Larry Bird, deservingly so, with his shot making abilities.  Yet until he has a ring on his finger, those comparisons will diminish.

Contributions by Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler are key for Nowitzki to be successful, whether it would be in the paint or perimeter shooting.  JJ Barea is also an asset off the bench with his quick-drives to the basket, three-point shooting and intelligence of distributing the basketball.  

This should be a finals to remember.  It is a finals of two admirable superstars in the league looking for their first ring (James and Nowitzki).  Both are craving for a championship and want their legacy to be known.

Who will welcome the challenge and guide their team into history?  We will find out in the weeks to come.

Most Underrated Soccer Players

10.  Park Ji Sung- The Korean native, who plays club ball for Manchester United, has been a key asset to United's winning ways.  Sir Alex Ferguson loves his tenacity; it's like he has a motor that never stops moving.

9.  Wesley Sneijder-  The Dutch native, who plays club ball for Inter Milan, has won a Champions League title as well as making it to a World Cup final.  He is the heart and soul for his teams in the central of the park.  His intelligence and physical style of play has won the hearts of many fans, yet he still seems to not make the headlines as often as he should.  

8.  Dirk Kuyt-  The Dutch native, who plays club ball for Liverpool, always has a knack for scoring.  While he was paired up with Fernando Torres at Liverpool, Kuyt did his job well, but Torres would usually take his shine.  His work-rate and commitment to the game has been a major factor of why he is still at Liverpool.  Post Torres, Kuyt has excelled, topping his goal count from previous seasons in the Premier League.

7.  Gianluca Zambrotta-  The Italian native, who plays club ball for AC Milan, is one of the top defensive-wingers ever to play.  He has played for elite clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona.  Zambrotta is known for his consistent play in the back as well as going forward.

6.  Alex De Souza-  The Brazilian native, who plays club ball for Fenerbahce, has made his presence heard in the Turkish League.  Also a left-footer, De Souza has 152 goals with Fenerbahce and has made several appearances with the Brazilian national team.  He, as many have said, is the Lionel Messi of Turkey.

5.  Michael Essien-  The Ghanaian native, who plays club ball for Chelsea, is the definition of a midfielder.  He is known for his feisty defensive play as well as being an offensive threat in the final third.  His cracking strike, which was 30 yards out and traveled at 64 mph against Arsenal, will be remembered as one of the best goals of all time, in my opinion.  It defied the laws of physics.

4.  Andrea Pirlo-  The Italian native, who plays club ball for AC Milan, is considered as the best midfielder Italy has ever produced.  However, he doesn't get the recognition he greatly deserves.  Pirlo's creative passes are a delight to watch, usually chipped over a defender's head and placed perfectly onto the foot of an ongoing striker.  He helped Italy win a World Cup in 2006 and has won two Champions League titles to add to his resume.  

3.  Arjen Robben-  The Dutch native, who plays club ball for Bayern Munich, is a speedster with excellent skill.  He was one of the main reasons why the Dutch made their first World Cup final appearance since 1978.  He has a crafty left foot that intimidates defenders when making his cut towards goal.








2.  Ryan Giggs-  The Wales native, who plays club ball for Manchester United, is known for his class.  The left-footed sensation wows crowds with his elegant first-touch.  He seems to come up big whenever United needs someone to step up.  Imagine if he had an international team that could do damage in the World Cup.  He is 38 years old and is still at his prime.  He is a legend.

1.  Andres Iniesta-  The Spanish native, who plays club ball for FC Barcelona, is a gem to the Barcelona organization.  The witty midfielder mesmerizes his defenders with his quick silky touches and genius on-the-field IQ.  Barcelona has always counted on him as a big-time player even through his younger years in the academy.  He has won a World Cup, two Champions League titles and the Euro 2008. He is best known for his goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final that helped them reach the finals.

2011 NBA Playoffs

Photo courtesy of NBAsoup.com

The 2011 NBA playoffs have kicked off to an emphatic start.

There are thrilling teams in the Eastern Conference like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.  The Western Conference includes strong teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Every matchup has been highly competitive and a pleasure to watch for fans like Edmon Roberson, a WPU business major, who feels the intensity of playoff basketball has risen.

                “A lot of the games have been where the better team gets behind early and ends up coming back to win or makes it a pretty good game,” said Roberson. 

A perfect example of this was between the number one seeded Chicago Bulls and eighth seeded Indiana Pacers.  The Bulls, who won the series 4-1, had several instances where they were trailing and could’ve lost.  However, their MVP candidate guard, Derrick Rose, was able to rise to the occasion and help them win.

Another series that was thought to be a good matchup, turned out to be the total opposite.  The number six seeded, New York Knicks, and the number three seeded, Boston Celtics, looked to be a potential seven-game series after games one and two.  However, the Knicks fell apart in games three and four, handing the Celtics a broom for their 4-0 sweep. 

“Everyone was saying that this is the series that can go to seven, but no, they get ousted in four,” said Adam Clarkson, a communication major.  “Yes they can score 105 (points) a game, but when you give up 110, they are not going to win.”

The Spurs, a number one seed, seemed to have drawn the “bust” card as well.  Facing the number eighth seeded, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio appeared to have lost their swagger.  The Grizzlies took advantage of the Spurs in game one, when they were without standout guard, Manu Ginobili, because of an elbow injury.

Roberson thought the Grizzlies would give the Spurs a series but did not think they would burst out to a commanding 3-1 lead. 

“They (the Grizzlies) are a young team with a lot of heart and I believe they can go far in the playoffs,” said Clarkson. 

The New Orleans Hornets were a team that challenged their high-seeded opponents to a battle.  Talented guard, Chris Paul, guided the seventh seeded Hornets to a great series against guard, Kobe Bryant and the second seeded Lakers.  The two teams went to six games, but in the end the Lakers came out as the victor 4-2.

Clarkson said the Hornets kept up with the defending champs and never gave up.   

“Everyone had the Lakers in four or five games,” said Clarkson.  “They have proved everyone wrong and Chris Paul carried the team on his back.”

Overall, this year’s playoffs have brought excitement back to the NBA.  They’ve had games go down to the wire from 76ers guard Lou Williams game-winning three with eight seconds left in game four against the Heat to Spurs guard Gary Neal’s game-tying three at the end of regulation in game five.

“The playoffs are where moments happen,” said Clarkson.

Which superstar or unknown name will step up for their team next?  This answer lies in the upcoming rounds. 

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?"