The 76ers are having more success at home by pushing the ball up the court at every opportunity. The fans are noticing, too, as evidenced by the bigger crowds that are supporting them these days at the Wachovia Center, where they have won 11 of their last 13.
The Sixers are averaging 19,930 fans in the past six home dates after averaging 13,263 in the first 31 outings. The Sixers have had all three of their sellouts during the six-game span, including 20,707 at Friday's loss to the Suns. "It feels good," said guard Lou Williams. "Some guys -- I'm considered one of those guys -- thrive off the fans being into the game. So it's great for us to have the backing of our home court. Now we have a legit home-court advantage."
The Sixers have been able to feed off the fans' energy in home wins over the Spurs, Nuggets and Nets.
"(Seeing all the fans) definitely gets us going," said guard/forward Andre Iguodala. "I think that's a motivation tool to show the fans what we can do. We really want to go out there and perform."
CAVALIERS 91, SIXERS 88: Philly was in position to win Sunday but couldn't finish the job. The Sixers (37-37) missed their final five shots in going scoreless over the final 2:01, as a three-point lead turned into a three-point defeat.
"It was a tough loss for us," said Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks. "We certainly would've loved to get the win."
The Sixers shot just 3-of-13 (.231) from three-point land and were out-rebounded 44-37.
Andre Iguodala led the Sixers with 19 points. Lou Williams had 17 points, while Andre Miller added 16 points, nine assists and five steals. Samuel Dalembert chipped in 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocks, and Thaddeus Young contributed 10 points.
The game featured 14 lead changes and 12 ties.
The Sixers remained seventh in the Eastern Conference, one-half game behind the No. 6 Raptors.
The Sixers, who finished March with an 11-4 record despite losing two in a row, visit New Jersey Tuesday before traveling to Atlanta Friday.
