STAR OF THE WEEK:
Dario Saric
This week’s star goes to forward Dario Saric. The 6’10 starter played well, despite Philly finishing the week 1 – 2. Through the struggles it appears Saric has hit his stride after some early season strife. The second year pro shot 18-for-36 during the seven day period, including a 25 point breakout performance in Utah. The EuroLeague star grabbed 10 rebounds to go along with his game-high 25 points in the 104 – 97 road win against the Jazz. Unfortunately, Utah was the lone win of the week for the 76ers. Nevertheless, Saric would notch a second double-double in a 109 – 108 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Croatian also shot 47.6 percent from the three point line for the week and provided a strong defensive effort despite the losses. As the sole bright spot in Golden State on Saturday, Saric will have to match that effort in the upcoming week. The Sixers return to the floor Monday in Los Angeles against a reeling Clippers club. Dario will undoubtedly be tested against Clippers forward Blake Griffin and center DeAndre Jordan. We will see if the 76ers forward’s stat line of 17.3 points and 7.7 boards on 50 percent shooting follows its way down the I-5 to L.A. STAT OF THE WEEK:
Four Scores and Six Losses……
There are a plethora of meanings and symbols behind the number four. The only number that represents its value in the letters it illustrates can stand for anything from stability to strong foundations. From the four home games the Sixers have played thus far to the four game difference in home and road contests the number four is quite prevalent. Philly has four more offensive rebounds per game at home than they do on the road and the odd frequency of four doesn’t stop there. The 76ers have four more field goal attempts in losses than in wins, they average four more rebounds in wins and hand out four more assists in their wins. The number four also equally represents good and bad luck, which no one can contest has also been a staple for the season. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY:
Michael Carter-Williams and Allen Iverson are the only Philadelphia 76ers to win Rookie of the Year honors. While there is no documented rhyme or reason as to how one acquires the prestigious award, statistically ranking ahead of your contemporaries would not be a bad place to commence an argument for your candidacy. Below is a breakdown of where current Philly rookie phenom Ben Simmons ranks against the top five first year performers for the week and year. (Statistics are broken down for the week – W and for the year to date – Y).
Ben Simmons – 76ers 15.7/17.4 - PPG 6.7/9.0 - RPG 6.7/7.8 - APG 30.6/34.1 - MPG 1 – 2/6 – 6: RECORD Lonzo Ball – Lakers 11.8/9.7 - PPG 7.5/6.8 - RPG 9.0/7.4 - APG 35.3/33.5 - MPG 1 – 3/5 – 8: RECORD Dennis Smith Jr – Mavericks 21.5/14.8 - PPG 6.5/3.7 - RPG 7.5/5.1 - APG 30.8/28.4 - MPG 1 – 1/2 – 11: RECORD Jayson Tatum – Celtics 13.8/13.6 - PPG 4.5/5.8 - RPG 0.8/1.6 - APG 26.4/30.0 - MPG 4 – 0/11 – 2: RECORD Lauri Markkanen – Bulls 10.0/14.5 - PPG 4.7/7.8 - RPG 2.0/1.5 - APG 24.3/33.0 - MPG 0 – 3/2 – 9: RECORD De’Aaron Fox – Kings 9.7/11.9 - PPG 2.3/3.3 - RPG 5.7/5.2 - APG 26.1/26.8 - MPG 2 – 1/3 – 9: RECORD ANSWERING THE CALL – A.I.’s rookie year
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. So while we partake in the now, it is impossible to not reminisce the before. The third week of Allen Iverson’s rookie year opened up in the Mecca, also known as Madison Square Garden, and A.I. put on a show. The guard scored a then season-high 35 points (including an impressive 5-for-9 from three) to lead Philly to a 101 – 97 win against the New York Knicks. The Knicks were helpless against the Answer as point guards Charlie Ward and Scott Brooks both fouled out of the contest in just three quarters, trying to defend the dynamic Iverson. A.I. struggled mightily for the rest of the week, shooting a combined 14-for-37 in the two remaining games of the week. Philadelphia lost 110 – 98 to the Marcus Camby led Toronto Raptors. Camby was selected directly after Iverson (second overall) in the 1996 draft. Things did not fare much better in Cleveland as the boys lost 105 – 89 to the Cavaliers. This contest would also see Allen separate his left shoulder and be sidelined for up to a week rehabbing the injury. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
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