My beloved Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers, under the coaching tutelage of local hero Maurice Cheeks, have returned to the playoffs after a two-year absence. It wasn’t easy; they started the season with an ugly 5-13 record, but turned it around late to slip into the seventh seed in the tepid Eastern Conference. Their efforts earned them a series with the Detroit Pistons, a perennial power who finished with the league’s second-best record. Pistons center Rasheed Wallace has played in more playoff games than all 15 members of the 76ers roster combined.
But this afternoon, the plucky Sixers came back from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Pistons in their first game. That’s why they play the games. In their honor, here is my favorite video of Mo Cheeks, back from when he was coaching Portland a few years ago: chokes me up every time I watch it.
April 20th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Wow, I remember that game. I was a Mo fan since the 80s (when the Sixers ruled the planet) but that National Anthem thing put him in my heroes list forever.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:02 am
[...] NBA: where caring really happens! An YouTube video (via Sean at Cosmic Variance)! [...]
April 21st, 2008 at 2:52 am
The Lakers rule all!
April 21st, 2008 at 9:06 am
I’m glad for Andre Miller! He’s been a great PG for 10 years, but no one knows his name. Keep it up Andre!
April 21st, 2008 at 9:55 am
Mo Cheeks is the man.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Best thing I’ve seen from professional sports in years. Thanks.
Whaddaya expect from a coach, anyway?