Welcome to Wade County
There has been a tremendous amount of hype surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the entire city of Philadelphia. Philly has become the new "City of Champions" after watching the Eagles take down the GOAT in Super Bowl LII, and Villanova cake walk their way to their 2nd National Title game win in 2 years, 76er fans are ready to see their team hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.
Leading up to this years playoffs, the 76ers won 16 straight games, which was a franchise record for most consecutive wins. That win streak helped the young 6er team notch a total of 52 wins and the number 3 seed in the East. A lot of people believe that "rookie" phenom, Ben Simmons could lead his team to at least the Eastern Conference Finals, some even believe they have enough to dethrone LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers as the new kings of the East.
Myself on the other hand? Not so fast, Philly fans.
The 76ers first round matchup is against the number 6 seed Miami Heat, one of the most unpredictable teams in the NBA this season. As of today the series is tied up 1-1 heading into Miami for Game 3.
In Game 1 of this series the 76ers steamrolled the Miami Heat after posting 130 points, which is the most points given up in Heat playoff history. Ben Simmons posted 17 points, 14 assist, and 9 rebounds, one of the most impressive NBA playoff debuts. JJ Reddick poured in 28 points, while Marco Belinelli added another 25. The team shot an eye popping 64% from beyond the arch.
The Heat didn't have as much shooting success as they ended the game shooting just 46% from three. Goran Dragic scored 15 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds. James Johnson added 13 points, and Kelly Olynyk was the only Heat player to score more than 20 points.
And then there was Game 2.. Despite a terrible shooting night from three for the Miami Heat, they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 113-103. The game seemed like a playoff game from the early 2000's where defensive was the key to winning playoff games.
There was one more thing that made the game feel like a "blast from the pass", we got a taste of vintage Dwayne Wade. The future Hall of Famer, Dwayne Wade dropped 21 points on 8-8 shooting in the first half. Did I mention he came off the bench?
Down 23-14, Wade entered the game and wasted no time with driving to the lane and hitting his trademark floater. Next up, Wade is given a little too much space from rookie guard Markelle Fultz and lands a long 2-pointer. Later in the quarter, down one, Wade deflects a pass and forces a turnover. Comes down the court and banks in a turn around jumper over a defender to take the lead. Timeout Philly.
On Wade's 7th made shot, he passed Larry Bird for 10th most points in NBA postseason history. What a night, right? Well he wasn't done, because after sitting out most of the 4th quarter the 76ers began to catch up with the Heat after being down 16 points in the 3rd quarter. They found themselves down just two points with 4:12 remaining in the 4th quarter. D Wade returned.
Ben Simmons brought the ball down the court as the crowd began to cheer with much confidence and momentum. After a lazy Simmons pass, Wade steals the ball and flashes his way back down the court for an easy dunk. Now leading by 6 with 50 seconds remaining in the game, D Wade hits a step back dagger over Ben Simmons, and glares at 76er's legend, Allen Iverson and Philly native, Kevin Hart as they watched in amazement from the sideline.
"You a bad mother f***, you a bad mother f***!", Allen Iverson shouted to D Wade as he walked to the Heat bench with so much swagger knowing that he is headed back to Miami tied 1-1 in the series.
I picked the Miami Heat to win this series because of one man, and that mans name is Dwayne Wade. Its hard to go against a three time NBA Finals Champion, and arguably a top 3 shooting guard in NBA history. The Philadelphia 76ers are a far more talented team than the Miami Heat but youth and inexperience is why I believe they aren't built to defeat a team like the Heat in a 7 game series. The 76ers time will come, but as of now, Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat are built for times like this.
Miami cant wait for Games 3 and 4, and I'm sure they will welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to "Wade County" as best they can.