- Huge win for the Sixers last night, beating the defending world champion Warriors in San Francisco. It was the 76ers first win over the Warriors since 2013 and their first victory at Golden State since 2011. The Warriors have now lost to-at home- Milwaukee, Toronto and Philadelphia, three of the top teams in the East. They snapped Golden State's 11-game winning streak as well.
The Sixers still need bench help. But it has to boost their morale and confidence to go into Golden State and knock them off. In a seven-game series the Warriors' experience and depth may wear down Philly. But for one game, the Sixers were tops.
in attendance last night was none other than ex- Sixer General Manager Sam Hinkie. He shave his head and now sports a goatee. But that was Hinkie in the crowd. He teaches at nearby Stanford University.
If Hinkie- the originator of the Trust The Process movement- was so brilliant, why hasn't he gotten another job in pro basketball? He obviously burned a lot of bridges when he was a GM, such as not calling agents and being aloof and indifferent to players and management alike.
- Our other winter team, the Flyers, also pulled off a big road win last night, beating host Boston in overtime. Always a tough place to play, the Flyers won their sixth game in a row. It may be too little too late to make a playoff push but at least the Orange and black haven't given up.
It all goes back to the change in general managers, the coaching switch and especially promoting rookie goalie Carter Hart. The 20-year-old brings skill, consistency and hope to a position that has struggled for the Flyers for years. Knowing they may have their future goaltender in place for the next 15 years or so is nice to know. Now the new regime can focus on building around Hart.
My first Flyers game of the season will be a hard ticket to come by tomorrow afternoon. It's a 1:00 match-up in South Philly against the Edmonton Oilers and swift, pesky, Flyer nemesis Connor McDavid. the Wells Fargo Center should be rocking on Saturday afternoon as the Flyers go for seven consecutive wins.
- I respect young Corey Seidman's take on baseball, especially the Phillies. He thinks, more and more, that Bryce Harper will ultimately return to Washington. Their proposed offer of $300 million for 10 years, if still on the table, would reportedly be worth more than any offer out there since free agency started. If the money is close I suspect Harper would go back to the nationals where he has a comfort zone and where they are closer to the postseason than are the other contenders for his services, such as the Phillies, Padres or White Sox.
It would be a disappointment for fans if Harper returns to the nats. His return would immediately make Washington the favorite to not only win the national League East, but maybe evcen make it to the World Series. Washington didn't play up to their level in 2018. They also have a way of choking in the playoffs when they get there. But one can't argue with their talent, maybe their deepest roster ever.
The Phillies can console themselves by signing Manny Machado, the guy they probably preferred all along. The fans would be letdown until they see how good of a player Machado really is. The Phillies would then still have plenty of money to make free agent runs in 2020 and 2021, especially in two years when Mike Trout comes out. If the organization screws up getting Trout then fans would really have reason to rebel.
One decision can weigh so heavy. If Harper signs with the Phils, he instantly makes them contenders. If he signs with division-rival Washington the Phillies and even the Mets and Braves are second-rate.
Harpers' decision effects so many. Phillie players like Franco, Herrera, Williams, Hernandez and Quinn may be traded before the season depending on whether Harper signs or not.
We should know soon. For the fans' sake, hopefully we know one way or another soon.
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