I almost didn’t really feel like I needed to, because we were always
talking about this summer and planning like we normally have. But I thought with all the things being written, I probably
should tell him, ’Hey, you are going to be the coach.'
-Billy King on Mo Cheeks returning next season
The Sixers have won six straight games. They capped off their six game home stand with a win tonight over Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers. It was the first sell out all season.
Andre Iguodala, not surprisingly, was the player of the game with 31 points. L.A. led by 6 going into the second half, but the Sixers got at them quick and went on a nice run. It was capped off in the third by Iguodala throwing up a three while getting fouled by Kobe in the process. The three went down, Kobe looked distraught, and Iggy smiled and went to the line to complete his four point play.
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How about ESPN's headline: Sixers continue PLAYOFF PUSH, drop Lakers for sixth straight win. I feel like invoking Jim Mora.
Why is nobody talking about the Sixers? I wrote a lengthy post on Monday pointing out the success the Sixers have gone on in the post Iverson era, but for the most part, the attention given to the Sixers in the media has been lacking. Sure, they're still miles away from anything remotely near a contender (only 4.5 out of the PLAYOFFS!!), but they're young, scrappy, and winning games with gritty play. Aren't we supposed to be excited for the team everyone counted out playing the right way and gaining confidence? If nothing else, Mo Cheeks is securing his job for the next year or two. Billy King said earlier on Friday that Cheeks will be back next year. I think that's a good thing.
Back to Kobe for a minute. People all across the country were baffled by the fact that Philly booed Kobe when he torched the All Star game in Philadelphia a few years back. They likely don't recall Kobe telling us he'd "tear their hearts out"during the finals in 2001. Phil Jasner, in today's Daily News, did a nice job explaining some of the history between Kobe and Philadelphia. I may have said in the past that I "hate" Kobe. Not true. I certainly don't consider him a player I embrace, but I've come to respect his skill. Here's a nice news story about him giving back to Lower Merion. I certainly will never think of him as a Philadelphian, that's for sure.
>>Cheeks will return as 76ers' coach next season, says Billy King [MSNBC]