Loco
Years ago
Sixers Psychology
Hoops Peoples,
I'm wondering if this is my pessimistic side shining through, so help me out and tell me if it's only me.
Come clutch time in a Sixer's game, I find myself, without fail, thinking "please don't screw up" at best and "I wonder how we'll blow it this time?" at worst - especially any sort of lead.
(For those around during the series of heartbreakers during the Butch Hays era, you too may have been irrevocably scared).
For me, it really came to light when Gilchrist hit the jumper to win the Crocs game. It seemed like no one in red wanted the ball when it came to game winner time.
As Boti wrote, Gilchrist was tentative on a shot that rolled around and eventually dropped on a decent roll. To be honest, he seemed more surprised initially than elated.
For me, last night was another glaring example against the Breakers. Compare the composure of a CJ Bruton vs. the numerous clutch time mistakes the Sixers managed to commit to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Maybe it's a post-Maher leadership / identity thing. Maybe it's a new unit etc. But even as individuals, with the possible exception of Ballinger, I don't see anyone saying "I got this".
Cortez's mistakes have been well documented, as has Gilchrist's temperament. Holmes is a solid worker, but I don't see him as a game winner. Smae goes for Herbert. Likewise, I don't see Burston stepping into that role.
Seems to me the only options as it stands are Ng and Hill? Hill just isn't ready.
Which with our current roster means Ng needs to see the ball down the stretch:
a) At the end of a structured offence to get him a decent look,
or
b) Play fails and he distributes to Ballinger (as he did against the Crocs).
Thoughts?