NBA: Sixers plan to bring 'A' game to Game Two

Toronto has beat up on the Sixers four times in a row, however no one seems too alarmed by that fact. Just as no one was alarmed when Philly went down in Game One to the pain in the back Pacers. With only one game played, it is hard to place the blame on any one person for the loss, so I won’t do that. I’ll say that Toronto played a rather good game in which they got help from practically the entire team.

In all fairness, the Sixers played a par game in which they had more then enough opportunities to take control. The point being, The Raptors played at their peak; the Sixers played average; and the outcome was only a three-point loss.

The question on every 76er fan’s mind is what Sixers squad will step out on the floor in tonight’s Game Two showdown at the First Union Center? Will it be the confident, above-.500 76ers that started the season undefeated? Or will it be the76ers team we have seen lose in Game One in each of the two series openers? Whichever team steps on the floor you can be sure "The Answer" Iverson will make his presence felt. They have proved they are worthy of being the number one seed with the way they handled themselves in the Indiana series. In my professional opinion, the three-game tear against nemesis Indiana took, at the very least, championship heart.

You could even go so far to say that Round One was the Championship for the Sixers… But on second thought, let’s not get carried away.

Philadelphia has the best chance of any team in the Eastern Conference to make it to the NBA Finals. I’m sure Coach Larry Brown, General Manager Billy King, and most certainly Sixers President Pat Croce, all are aware of that fact. They should also be aware that in addition to their respective job duties, they must continually motivate each player and remind them what the team goal was from day one: Win the NBA Championship.

More importantly, the players themselves must remain focused on what they have been doing all season long: playing winning basketball. If there is one thing the Sixers aren’t short of, it’s having winners on its team.

Sixers’ center, Dikembe Mutumbo, was recently named First-team All Defense. Aaron McKie deservedly received the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year Award yesterday. And no one can forget the winner of this year’s Scoring Title, and soon to be NBA Most Valuable Player: Allen Iverson. While we are at, why not throw in Larry Brown for Coach of the Year. Who has done more with less? Point being, one game is not gonna make or break Philadelphia. However, they need to show more poise, and more of that winner’s attitude in order to beat Toronto tonight.

Vince Carter and Allen Iverson will due basically whatever they please on the court as they did in Game One. The determining factor will be the play of the supporting cast member from each team. Tyrone Hill must step up big and ignore taunts from his new personal intimidator Charles Oakley. George Lynch must grab everything off the glass and he has to be the "Mr. Consistency" he has been for Philly all year. Eric Snow must make his open jumpers. He needs to run an effective offense and create high percentage shots for the supporting three on the floor. Aaron McKie needs to be Aaron McKie. With Aaron getting more of a green light to shoot, it would also be helpful if he could get Toronto’s Number 15 into foul trouble. Matt Geiger just needs to play smart – but that’s only if he plays.

Toronto is a listed underdog for Game two, but the Sixers can’t expect them to play as such. Toronto is a team of professionals who have worked hard all season to be where they are now. There is no way the lay down just because they are not home. And after winning Game One on Sunday, they are going to make the 76ers work that much harder to put them away. Expect Carter to go dunk crazy. Expect Dell Curry to take three’s like he’s shooting free throws. Expect Alvin Williams to think he’s Allen Iverson. And after all is said and done… Expect Toronto to lose.

Prediction for Tonight’s game: Sixers by 15 (I think the Sixers have reason to be hungry)