When neither your offense nor your defense is working effectively,
your chances of winning a basketball game are not very good. The
Philadelphia 76ers made that abundantly clear this afternoon, losing
to the Atlanta Hawks 86-62 at the Reebok Pro Summer League in Boston.
Philadelphia’s defense committed 28 fouls resulting in Atlanta taking
31 free throws. Offensively, the 76ers committed 20 turnovers resulting
in 20 Atlanta points. As a result of Philadelphia’s generosity, Atlanta
led from start to finish on the way to the easy victory.

The disparity in free throws was huge. Atlanta scored 25 points from
the free throw line. Philadelphia went to the line only 13 times, making
7 of those shots. Atlanta was 7-for-11 from the line in the first quarter
alone. To make matters worse, the 76ers turned the ball over 10 times
resulting in an additional 9 Atlanta points. Jerry Holman scored 6 of
his 13 points in the quarter as the Hawks led 21-12 after one and never
looked back. Chris Porter and Tommy Adams each scored four points in the
second quarter as the Hawks increased their lead to 42-23 at the half.

It was more of the same in the second half. Charles Smith scored 11 of
his 13 points in the half. The 76ers could not get any closer than 14
points, finally losing by 24 points.

Willie Green was the only 76er in double-figures, scoring a game high
14 points.

Written by: Mike Swartz