PHILLY UPS ITS GAME TO TAKE 1-0 FINALS LEAD
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Phobia took a big step toward procuring their 16th MBA championship with a Finals-opening 76-65 home win over the Chicago Gale.
The Phobia dominated the backboards in the rebounding department 28-16, hit more than twice the number of 3-pointers than they averaged during the regular season (7 treys of 10, season average 3 per game) and stole the ball 7 times from the Gale (Philly averaged 2.2 steals per game during the season).
In short, they had a magnificent opener, and if they continue to play at this pace, it will be a short finals.
After a rough opening quarter, Chicago closed the gap, trailing by just 3 at the half. But a third-quarter charge led by Game MVP T. Kanes Masterson and forward Bruce Hammer gave the Phobia a comfortable 14-point advantage heading into the final 70 time units.
The best of five Finals now moves to Chicago, where the Gale beat Philadelphia early this season 95-68. The Phobia have since beaten Chicago twice, once during the regular season in Philadelphia, and in this finals opener in Philly.
20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
--T.KANES MASTERSON of Philadelphia shrugged off the usually outstanding defense of Chicago's Poppy Poppalucco and delivered a game-high 22 points to lead all scorers and earn MVP of the Game honors. The 6-3 shooting guard also pulled down 6 rebounds, registered 2 steals and had 2 assists. If a playoff MVP award were to be given at this point, Masterson would be the pick.
--Philadelphia power forward Davis Phillips, starting against his old team for the first time, was merely outstanding. He led all rebounders with 9, had 14 points and led everyone with 3 steals.
--Small forward Bruce Hammer of Philadelphia continued his brilliant scoring ways with 15 points, including a 3-for-5 effort from 3-point land that broke Chicago's comeback attempts time and again. Hammer also pulled down 4 boards, had 1 steal and 1 assist.
--Chicago two guard Poppy Poppalucco had an above-average game offensively for the visitors but could not stop Masterson. Poppy had 14 points, a game-high 4 assists and 3 rebounds. He also led everyone with 2 blocked shots.
--Hall of Fame Chicago center Max Payne thoroughly outplayed his much younger counterpart Diss Reflexia, getting a team-high 17 points, pulling down 4 rebounds and blocking 1 shot. He held Reflexia below double figures in scoring.
--Chicago's leading scorer during the regular season, Art Vandelay, was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, getting 16 points and leading his team in rebounds with 5. He added 1 assist. But for Chicago to win, Vandelay has to get more shots.
SPECIAL NOTE: Both Philadelphia starting forwards were obtained in the Season 38 draft after they were both cut by their respective teams...Phillips from Charleston and Hammer from Sacramento.
TOP PLAYOFF REBOUNDERS LAST 8 SEASONS
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