There are countless things you could say about the Sixers’ season. That is because there are countless things you could say about the team, the plan and the direction. Some supported the tank, others found it too challenging to support because of the patience needed. Others just did not think it would work.
One thing is for sure, though. It is fitting the Philadelphia both began and ended its season with Miami.
The top highlight of the season, Allen Iverson getting his number retired, technically happened on the court, but really it was “off the court”. When you think of the 2013-14 season, that will not be in the highlight reel because it was not part of the season’s games. So, what’s next? That of course would be the season-opening 114-110 victory over Miami to open the season.
Remember how excited everyone was? Remember people thought there was hope that they would at least be watchable? Some even thought they could contend for one of the final seeds in the playoffs after Michael Carter-Williams came one steal away from a triple double, picking off nine steals, in addition to his 12 rebounds and 22 points! There was not a single game that could come even close in matching the excitement and enjoyment all experienced on what was Opening Night.
Since then, the season has completely, well, tanked. Gone are starters Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner. Gone is all the hope and excitement for the 2014 playoffs and gone too is another forgettable Sixers’ season.
It comes full circle tonight in Miami, the place where the champion has been crowned each of the last two seasons. As the 76ers try to build a team and a vision that Miami has to one day dream of, “Not one, not two, not three, not four…” championships, all they can do is get to work in the scouting department, in the film room and reading up on both free agents and draft pick options.
But tonight, the Sixers end what at times was a painfully bad season. Remember all those 40-point losses? Remember being the laughing stock of the league during the losing streak? What about when SportsCenter had a special banner on the side with the upcoming lowlights from the Sixers’ latest loss? And finally, those back-to-back 40 losses that made them the ultimate laughing stock that SportsCenter could not wait to show you?
After tonight, it’s all over. The season is done and we can turn the page. And that is a highlight in this low season, just like that first game.
Game Notes:
- The Sixers are 1-16 against Miami in their last 17 meetings with the lone win of course being on opening night.
- Michael Carter-Williams is shooting 53% in his last nine games. One reason why is he has stopped shooting three’s as much. The rookie has only attempted six three’s in those nine games and none in his last six games.
- The final count of Sixers to suit up and play this season will be 23, as no one will be added to the roster for tonight’s game.
- Thaddeus Young and Michael Carter-Williams are just about locks to finish in the top-5 for steals in the NBA.
- A win gives the Sixers their third-worst record all-time and a loss puts them in a tie for their second-worst.
Injuries: As they have all season, Nerlens Noel and Jason Richardson will make it all 82 games tonight of not playing as they each recover from torn ACLs. The following players are not expected to play for Miami due to injuries, illnesses or rest purposes: Dwayne Wade (hamstring) Chris Andersen (knee/back), LeBron James (rest), Chris Bosh (rest), Greg Oden (illness/back)
Projected Lineups:
Sixers:
PG Michael Carter-Williams
SG James Anderson
SF Hollis Thompson
PF Thaddeus Young
C Henry Sims
Heat:
PG Norris Cole
SG Toney Douglas
SF Shane Battier
PF Michael Beasley
C Udonis Haslem
Prediction: The Sixers take advantage of the resting heat and finish the season on a winning streak.
