The Sixers battled the Nuggets last night in Philly. The Nuggets ended up winning 108-104 in overtime. These two teams got after it. The defense was solid, both teams hustled for loose balls and the offense was exciting. Everything about this game, the atmosphere and the play on the floor, screams playoffs. Since these two squads are in different conferences, they’d be forced to meet in the finals.
How amazing would that be? Ty Lawson going head to head with Jrue Holiday. Elton Brand and Nene banging down in the post. Danillo Gallinari and Andre Iguodala battling at the wing. Evan Turner still finding his way in his sophomore campaign. Two of the best coaches in the league, Doug Collins and George Karl.
Getting away from the players and coaches, the way these teams play makes them winners. The Sixer hustle is second to none. Denver’s execution is crisp, George Karl wants to win. These teams aren’t going to give up anything easy. They know they’ll need to work to get what they want.
Is it too early to imagine this finals matchup? Maybe. Injuries could change the whole dynamic, the teams early solid performance could worsen, or another team could get hot. If the teams have graduates of sports medicine schools helping them, they could heat up. Additionally, the traditional star factor is missing from these two teams. The NBA may not be ecstatic if these two teams met in the finals.
Whether the Nuggets and Sixers meet in the finals or not, they’re worth watching. If you like teams that play hard, have some talent and tremendous coaching, they’re for you. Unfortunately they don’t play again this season! Watch the Nuggets and Sixers, they might surprise you.