Sixers Suffer Fourth Straight Loss to Utah Jazz

Strategic Insights -

As the 76ers faced off against the Utah Jazz on December 30th, the team's fans could expect a few constants: Comcast SportsNet would be broadcasting the game, small forward Andre Iguodala would undoubtedly dunk the ball at least once, and, at some point, the Sixers would allow the opposing team to go on a game-changing run. Former Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks called this a "point of separation," and last night's game against the Utah Jazz was no exception. The Jazz, missing leading scorer Carlos Boozer and third-leading scorer Paul Millsap, improved to 19-14 with a 112-95 victory over the struggling 76ers, who fell to 12-18.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jazz scored 10 consecutive points in the second quarter, turning a 39-38 Sixers lead into a 48-39 Utah advantage. This three-minute burst was a pivotal moment in the game, with Iguodala stating, "Looking at it now, it looks like it was."
  • Interim coach Tony DiLeo attributed the team's losses to these "phases" where they get outscored, stating, "Again, what haunts us is we have these phases where teams get away."
  • The 76ers had 25 points scored off their turnovers, with the Jazz leading by 51-43 at the half.
  • Point guard Andre Miller scored 13 points and had eight assists, while Iguodala finished with 17 points, including a handful of easy slam dunks.
  • The 76ers struggled from the three-point line, going 1 for 9, while the Jazz were 8 for 18.
  • In the last two games, the 76ers have allowed 23 three-pointers, with DiLeo stating, "We would rather give up the outside shot than the layup."
  • Jazz point guard Deron Williams scored a game-high 27 points, while former Sixer Kyle Korver came off the bench to score 12.

Statistics:

  • The Jazz scored 25 points off 76ers turnovers.
  • The Jazz led by 51-43 at the half.
  • The closest the 76ers came in the second half was six points.
  • Utah held a lead of 20 at one point.
  • The 76ers scored a total of 95 points.
  • Jazz point guard Deron Williams scored 27 points.
  • Former Sixer Kyle Korver scored 12 points off the bench.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer (Dec 30)
  • Copyright (c) 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.