The Philadelphia 76ers advanced to the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs with a thrilling 79-78 win in Game 6 over the Chicago Bulls over night. The Sixers became just the fifth No. 8 seed to knock off a No. 1 in the history of the league, advancing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
The largest lead of the fourth quarter was just five points held by Chicago on a Omer Asik free throw at the 7:31 mark. The Sixers fought back to take a one-point lead, 73-72 on a Lou Williams 3-pointer with four minutes to play. Chicago fought back, and seemed poised to secure a series tying win taking a 78-75 lead off an Asik dunk with 25 second left.
Thaddeus Young made a 4-footer to put the Sixers within one and then Spencer Hawes immediately fouled Asik with seven seconds to go. Asik fortuitously missed both free throws, and Andre Iguodala was fouled on the rebound sending him to the line with a chance to win the game. Iguoadala shot less than 50 percent from the free throw line in the fourth quarter this season, but calmly sank both of his shots to give the Sixers a 79-78 lead.
Iguodala blocked C.J. Watson's desperation attempt as time expired to clinch the game and the series in front of the home crowd. For the game, Iguodala led all players with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, adding seven assists. Spencer Hawes chipped in 10 rebounds to go with eight points.
The Bulls dominated on the glass, hauling in 56 rebounds to 33 for the Sixers. Philadelphia was much sharper from long range, however, going 6-for-16 from beyond the arc compared to 2-for-13 for Chicago. Iguodala, Williams and Jrue Holiday had a pair of treys, each. Luol Deng led the Bulls with 19 points and 17 rebounds.
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