Digging in

Sixers' toughness has them looking like Finals team of 2001

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- First it was the Nets.

Then it was the Pacers.

Next came the Pistons.

Now it’s the Sixers’ turn to claim the title of Beast of the East.

That’s the way it stands after Philadelphia’s comeback win here Sunday afternoon. The Sixers, winners of 14 of 16 since the All-Star break, went in and beat New Jersey on its home floor to pull within a half-game of the Nets for the Atlantic Division lead. Suddenly, Philadelphia is looking a lot like its 2001 Finals team.

Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago the Sixers were being fitted for toe tags? Now, says Sixers guard Eric Snow confidently, "We think we’re going to win the division."

Who knew this year’s Eastern Conference was going to be as confusing as your NCAA tournament bracket?

"Anybody could win the East," Bucks coach George Karl said not long ago. "I’ve heard coaches talk about New Jersey, Indiana, Detroit, Philly, Boston, New Orleans… And who’d want to play Michael [Jordan's Wizards] in the first round?"

Well, that eliminates the Bulls and Cavaliers. Thanks, coach.

This is what happens when you let all the best big men migrate to the West. You end up with the East full of Cinderellas, each tripping over each other for the right to wear the glass slipper.

At least the Sixers wear a construction boot on the other foot. Led by Allen Iverson (31 points, five assists and six steals against the Nets), Philadelphia has a hard-nosed demeanor that will serve it well down the stretch. It’s too early to say the Sixers will win the Atlantic (they play six of their next eight on the road), but their defense and Iverson’s play of late give them a shot.

On Sunday, the Sixers dug in and held New Jersey without a field goal for the final nine minutes. During that span the Nets went 0-for-12 from the floor with five turnovers. With the game on the line in the final minutes, Snow twice stymied Jason Kidd on key drives to the basket. Another time he tackled him on an inbounds play and got away with it.

But the Nets, who lost the season series 3-1 to the Sixers, couldn’t blame the refs for the defeat. They allowed Philly to rip off 16 steals en route to 24 turnovers. They shot 2-of-13 from three-point range. After keeping Iverson in check the first half, they allowed him to ignite for 23 points in the final two quarters.

What’s been the difference for Philly during its amazing run?

Sixers coaches and players offer all the usual clichés: "We’re playing harder." "We’re healthy." "We’re making shots."

Privately, however, they say Derrick Coleman has been a force since moving to the center spot for the injured Todd MacCulloch. They point out that Iverson has been passing more and being even more of a pest on defense. They say Tyrone Hill and Kenny Thomas, both added midway through the season, have brought some much-needed frontcourt depth.

Also, after several weeks of hearing trade rumors involving nearly everybody on the roster, some Sixers believe the team has been able to return its focus to the court.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the trade deadline being over," said Iverson, sporting a retro Alex English jersey from the old rainbow Nuggets days. "Guys are comfortable now that they’re going to be here."

Indeed, the Sixers look very comfortable these days. Now it’s the Nets and everybody else in the Eastern Conference who should be feeling uneasy.

 

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