Sixers Beat Raptors Back-to-Back
The Philadelphia 76ers should ask to play the Toronto Raptors for 82 games.
In the second game in as many nights between the two teams, the Sixers relied on a free throw clinic to beat the Raptors once again, 84-79.
Philadelphia shot a stellar 26 for 28 from the charity stripe (that’s over 90% for the team). Rookie PG Jrue Holiday and former Georgetown player Brandon Bowman were the only two Sixers to miss a free throw (Holiday finished 3-4 from the line, Bowman 1-2).
“It was timely to make our free throws,” 76ers coach Eddie Jordan said. “We were horrible last night (making 22 of 32) and tonight we needed them to win. Hopefully it’s contagious and we keep on going.”
Thaddeus Young led the Sixers in scoring with 11 points, as front court players Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert each chipped in 10. Brand, who hopes to build on last year’s disappointing season, is fighting his way back from shoulder surgery that sidelined him during the season.
“He’s maybe forcing the issue a little bit. That’s OK,” Jordan said. “I want him to find his way, be aggressive. I’d rather him be that way than passive.”
“Back-to-back games, no setbacks, so that’s always a positive,’ Brand said. “You see guys on the Raptors resting because of their hamstrings and other injuries. It’s good to feel good, even this early in the season.”
