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Hornets-Sixers Game 3 Preview Ailing Sixers need quick mend for pivotal third game
Posted: Friday April 28, 2000 03:55 PM
For TV guys like us at TNT, tonight represents our first chance in the best-of-five first round to say "pivotal game 3." Sends a shiver through 'ya doesn't it? The Hornets and Sixers are tied up one a piece. Charlotte head coach Paul Silas says "It changes the whole mindset for the loser of Game 3. You still have a sense of urgency, but it's also very difficult. One more loss and your'e done." Adding to the intrigue tonight is the status of Philly point guard Eric Snow, whose 22 assists in the first two games is tops in the playoff field. Don't forget he also scored 19 in Game 2. If that chip fracture of his right ankle puts him on the shelf, we'll see Aaron McKie and possibly Kevin Ollie in there. And while Allen Iverson has said this week that his inflammed right elbow is acting up again, Doc Rivers warned in the TNT Studio last night that that is the scariest thing you can hear. Iverson might really go big. His duel with Eddie Jones remains a focal point of this series. The answer took Round 1, EJ Round 2, and in the Charlotte paper he breaks down the keys to defending Iverson. Among the strategies: cutting off the baseline drive, keeping him in front of you and prayer. After taking the home court edge away from the Hornets in Game 1, it may be tough to avoid a return trip to the Hive, especially if Snow can't play. Charlotte's front line has dominated this series, and if the Sixers are hurting at the point, it could add up to Hornets 2-1.
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