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Sixers Playoff Memories

As the Sixers get ready for the 2009 NBA Playoffs vs. the Orlando Magic - which tips off on Sunday at 5:30pm on TNT - we asked some of the players what their most memorable moments were from the league's second season.

Sixers Guard Willie Green
“The most memorable playoff series for me was last year’s (2008) first round series with Detroit. Going into Detroit, which is my hometown, and taking Game 1 was something I will never forget. It was big not only for our team, but also for the organization. It was exciting playing in my hometown. They had a good team. The playoff atmosphere is a notch up from the regular season. We were a young team just going in there, playing hard and having fun. It was a good win for us.”

Sixers Center Samuel Dalembert
“I would say the Detroit series in 2005. It was really a nice series for us. I remember that series because so much happened in my life as a player and the situation that was going on. I had opportunity right in front of me and I wanted to take advantage of that. They (Detroit) were the defending NBA Champions. We knew we could’ve beat them, we just didn’t do the little things that needed to be done.”

Sixers Forward Donyell Marshall
“Obviously going to the NBA Championship with Cleveland (Cavaliers) in 2007. That sticks out in my mind the most because it took me 13 years to get there. During that playoff run, in Game 6 against New Jersey (Nets), which also happened to be my birthday, I struggled the series leading up to that and came off the bench and hit six three-pointers which helped us get to the Eastern Conference Finals. Also, Game 5 against Detroit in 2007, when LeBron (James) went for 48 (points). I tell people all the time I didn’t’ score a point that game but I think that was one of the best games I’ve played because I was able to help spread things out and keep the floor open for LeBron (James) to get those points.”

Sixers Forward Reggie Evans
“It has to be my first time going to the playoffs. It was my third year in the league (2005), we (formerly the Seattle Supersonics) beat the Sacramento Kings and advanced to the second round. I was normal and it was a unique experience. From an individual standpoint, I had a good series. I wasn’t nervous or anything, I was just amped up. I felt like I was supposed to be there. Some people say you get the first time jitters, but not me, I was amped up. I’m happy I have another opportunity, especially here in Philadelphia. They breed sports around here. It will be a crazy atmosphere (this year).”

Sixers Guard Kareem Rush
“My second year in the league (2004), Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals (with the Los Angeles Lakers). It was the most memorable because that game sent us to the NBA Finals. That’s the most memorable because that’s the only time I’ve been there. I was young at the time and kind of took the situation for granted. This will be the first time I’ve been to the playoff since I left Los Angeles. You just realize how special of an opportunity it really is; I won’t take this year for granted.”

Sixers Guard Andre Miller
“My most memorable experience was the first time I made the playoffs, 2004 (with the Denver Nuggets). It was just fun making it.”

Sixers Center Theo Ratliff
“I would say the first time I made the playoffs. To be able to win the first round and advance to the second round was awesome. It’s a whole different season, every possession counts. There is major attention to detail out on the floor.”