Sixers Lose Four Straight Following All-Star Break

Last night’s 98-96 last-second loss to the average-to-poor New Jersey Nets exemplifies the way the 2008 - 2009 season has gone thus far for the Sixers.  Ups and Downs, we’re a team that isn’t quite there.

The Nets did thieve Dallas in the Jason Kidd for Devon Harris trade last year though.

No 76er players were selected to this year’s All-Star game, and that time off allowed the Sixers sit back and view their situation from afar.  That’s the last thing the team needed, and they have come out 0-4 after the break.

The reality that the Sixers saw is that they are a very mediocre team that wins off effort.  It’s hustle plays on defense and on the boards that spring those enjoyable Andre Miller outlet pass to out-of-control Iduodala fast breaks.  The 76ers are nothing short of bad in the half court offense, and if they didn’t have their explosive transitional offense the team wouldn’t be as close to .500 as they currently are (27-28).

The Sixers will turn it around down the stretch, and the next two games against the Wizards and Knicks will help it start (the following two against ORL and NO will bring us back to .500).  The recent late-game meltdowns/missed free throws/inconsistent play won’t stop the Sixers from reaching expectations this year; a playoff entrance and first round exit.