Sixers clinch playoffs over streaking Hawks

Alright, alright, I'll be the first to admit that if you told me that the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks would be playing a game in April that would have playoff indications, I would probably take a drink on purpose to then spit it out in dramatic disbelief. But, of course, they sure did--and the Sixers, who have arguably been playing some of the best ball in the Eastern conference, stopped the Atlanta streak at 5 and clinched a playoff spot.

The Sixers, who had lost their previous 2 games to the Hawks previously, looked so much different than before, showing the confidence and aptitude that has the city of brotherly love cheering for them as loud as they can now. The last time the teams met in February, Philly was 12 games under .500 and left with a close loss, but a loss nonetheless. Since then, Philadelphia has been ssssssmokin', winning 21 of 28.

The story behind the 76ers turnaround has largely centered between the continued great play of Andre Iguodala, who may just be one of the most underrated but potent forwards in the league, and Andre Miller, the castoff from Denver in the Allen Iverson deal. Against the Hawks, Miller had 23 points, while Iguodala frustrated Atlanta every time he touched the ball, scoring 30 and even had 10 assists. Philly also took advantage of a poor shooting night from Mike Bibby, who was an anemic 1 for 11.

Picture Source: AP

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Sixers clinch playoffs over streaking Hawks

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