Sixers Keys To Winning Game 5

On Sunday the Sixers came out and defied the odds to force a game 5 tonight in Miami.

In order to win tonight and bring the series back to Philly, the Sixers need to play a fundamentally sound game and get key contributions from a lot of guys. The Sixers showed on Sunday that they can beat this team, and I think it's a definite possibility that this series comes back to Philadelphia. Here are the keys to the game.

Evan Turner- If Turner gets more playing time this will benefit the Sixers defensively and offensively. Turner had 17 points on Sunday, and played a solid game defensively. Turner came through with some big key buckets down the stretch. Doug Collins needs to wake up and give Turner the playing time he deserves.

Lou Will- Lou Williams is going to be a big factor in Game 5, to read more about Lou Will click HERE.

Elton Brand- The Sixers need to find ways to get Brand involved. Running pick and rolls with Brand is a great way to get him open and allow him to knock down his patented mid range jumper. Brand also needs to do a better job on the boards as he is the only real presence the Sixers have down low.

Hot Start- The Sixers got off to hot starts in Games 1 and 4, and another hot start tonight would benefit the Sixers greatly. When the Sixers get it going early it gives them confidence that stays with them throughout the game.

Surviving Heat Run- The Heat are going to make a run, that is inevitable. It's how the Sixers respond to that run that will determine the outcome of this game. The Heat made their run in Game 4 behind their relentless defense that suffocated the Sixers with double team traps. The Sixers folded under the pressure and turned the ball over which led to fast break points and extra opportunities for the Heat. When the Heat make their run tonight, the Sixers first and foremost need to slow the game game down. They have to stick to their game plan, play fundamental basketball and limit their turnovers. The Sixers also have to remain calm and not force bad passes when the Heat bring defensive pressure.

Scoring In Transition- The Sixers are young and athletic and have a lot of athletes that are extremely dangerous in the open floor. The Sixers need to push the ball every opportunity they get and try to get some easy points.

Keep It Close In 4th- The Sixers need to do everything they can to keep things close in the 4th quarter. The Heat are bat at closing games out, and if the Sixers are close at the end they should be in a good position to win the game.

Stop Heat Fast Break- The Heat are deadly in the fast break. Not only do they get easy points, but when D-Wade tosses one up to Lebron and he jams it home, they are huge momentum killers. The Sixers can't let the Heat score in transition or they are in for a very long night.

If the Sixers do these things and play a conservative game I think they can bring this series back to Philly. But if they try to do too much and force the issue that's when they will get into trouble. The Sixers just need to take this series one game at a time and try to force a Game 6.