Just as the temperatures begin to rise, so does the optimism of Philadelphia sports fans.
For the first time over a decade, they now have something to cheer about with regard to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers.
Both won first-round playoff series for the first time since 2012.
The Sixers stunned the Boston Celtics in the opening round, rallying from a three games to one deficit to win the series in seven games.
Both teams broke streaks in the process. Prior to that series, the Celtics were 32-0 all time when holding a 3-1 lead in a playoff series. Conversely, the Sixers had never crawled out of a 1-3 hole, going 0-18 in those circumstances.
It marked the first time in 44 years the Sixers had vanquished the Celtics in the playoffs. The last time was in 1982, when Julius Erving, Maurice Cheeks and Andrew Toney, who was known as the “Boston Strangle,” lost game one by 40 points, but came back to win the series in seven games against Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.
This time, it was Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey wielding the shovels. Like ’82, they were blown out in the first game – Embiid missed the contest after undergoing an appendectomy days earlier – but rebounded.
The Flyers took a different path in eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, jumping to a 3-0 lead in the series.
Philly barely qualified for the playoffs, but quickly proved they belonged behind coach Rick Tocchet and goalie Dan Vlader, who made an incredible 42 saves in a 1-0, overtime win in Game Six.
It marked the first time the Flyers had won a playoff series in front of their home fans since 2012. A sellout crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena rejoiced, dancing and cheering in the stands and concourse.
Both joint success by the Sixers and Flyers marked a welcome change from some past seasons.
This is usually the time of year when Philadelphia fans are focusing on the Phillies and waiting for the NFL schedule to be released – it will likely come out next week – so they can plan some Eagles road trips.
Note: The Birds are on the road this season at Arizona, Chicago, Jacksonville, San Francisco and Tennessee in addition to the usual treks to Dallas, the New York Giants and Washington.
If you’re thinking of attending a road game, I highly recommend (in order) San Francisco, Arizona, Chicago or Jacksonville.
But there’s plenty of time to make those plans. For now, enjoy the Sixers’ and Flyers’ playoff runs, for however long they last.
The Flyers suffered a tough, 3-2 overtime loss to the powerful Carolina Hurricanes Monday that left them trailing 0-2 in the series.
The Sixers also got off to a rough start, losing 137-98 to the New York Knicks.
But at least they’re in the playoffs. They’ll be plenty of time to see if the Phils improve upon their early-season struggles.
And the Eagles’ fight song can wait.
“One, two, three, four, five, Sixers. … 10, 9, 8, 76ers.”
Chase Petty makes most of promotion
Mainland Regional High School graduate Chase Petty enjoyed a solid outing for the Cincinnati Reds Monday.
The 23-year-old right-hander, making his first Major League start of the season against the Chicago Cubs at iconic Wrigley Field, allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings and received a no-decision in the Reds’ 5-4 loss.
“I just tried to stay poised, stay true to myself, and throw five or six innings to keep us in the game,” Petty told Cincinnati.com afterward.
Petty allowed four hits, two walks and had one strikeout for the Reds. He tossed three scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run to the Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki in the fourth.
“That’s probably one of the best lineups in the league, possibly the best,” Petty said. “I just tried to control what I could control and give us a chance to win.”
Perhaps most importantly, the outing should do wonders for Petty’s confidence after a rocky start to his major league career last season.
He struggled with his control a year ago and labored to an 0-3 record, allowing 14 hits, earned runs, three home runs and eight walks in six innings.
Still, the Reds still have high hopes for him. And Petty has the same outlook for himself.
“Last year doesn’t define my career,” Petty said. “I learned a lot from that experience, how to handle myself. This was a confidence-builder, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
