Sixers Win, but Both Teams Still Have Issues

1983-84 Boston Celtics
Sixers 92, Celtics 91
Record: 9-4
11/20/1983

Coaches K. C. Jones and Billy Cunningham were both concerned before last night's Celtics-Sixers battle at the Spectrum. Jones was worried because the Celtics brought a two-game losing streak to Philadelphia. Boston lost three in a row only once in three seasons from 1979-82. Last year, the Celtics had a pair of four-game losing streaks.

Cunningham was "very concerned" after Thursday night's loss to Atlanta. The Sixers didn't lose their third game until Nov. 30 last year. Opponents had taken more shots than the Sixers in eight of 10 games, and Philly was outrebounded in six of 10. Guard Maurice Cheeks had yet to compile more than 10 assists in any game and Marc Iavaroni had scored only 13 total points in eight of the 10 games. Making matters worse, the Sixers played without Bobby Jones (pinched nerve in his leg) last night.

MISC

Larry Bird had hit only 12 of 39 shots (31 percent) going into last night's game . . . Scott Wedman, who played a season-high 20 minutes Friday night, was still looking for his first free throw . . . Assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers took a two-game technical foul streak into last night's contest. Rodgers was tagged in Utah Wednesday and again Friday night against the Knicks . . . Going into last night, the Celtics and Sixers had played 55 (regular season and playoff) times since 1976 and produced a six-point differential (Boston leading, 5751-5745).