Fired for Winning

The Sixers put on a tremendous show as they played their final game at the Spectrum Friday night.

It was a reminder of all that was great about being a Sixers fan in the 70s and 80s. The intimate setting of the old barn. The classic red, white and blue unis. No useless music blaring during play. Dave Zinkoff.

The 76ers theme song (click here to listen) that always sounded so good when they played it on the organ as the game was winding down towards yet another Sixers win.

Clap your hands everybody
For Philadelphia 76ers
Stomp your feet, everybody
For Philadelphia 76ers
Here they come, Philadelphia
On the run, Stand up and cheer
#1, Philadelphia
Here they come, team of the year
On the run, Stand up and cheer
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Sixers
10, 9, 8, 76ers

The Doctor was there, along with Bobby Jones, Moses, Earl Cureton, Franklin Edwards, Clemon Johnson, Marc Iavaroni and Wali Jones. Sure, plenty of names were not present: Mo Cheeks, Andrew Toney, Billy C., Charles….but they were certainly there in spirit.

The team brought back a Zinkoff impersonator and the memories came rushing back at how a PA announcer could be such a big part of any game. Booosstonn calllllss tiimmmeeooutt!!!

The floor used during the magical ‘82-’83 season was refurbished and brought back for one more night on display.

Oh yeah, the game. The Sixers and Bulls put on a performance that I’m willing to bet wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining or intense if it were across the lot at the Center.

I can’t believe how old I sound when I say I loved everything about Friday’s game. It reminded me once again how great sports can be when everything isn’t about money. The Spectrum was a true home court advantage. The fans were on top of you. No luxury boxes, Lexus clubs or cigar bars to distract you from the game. The hallways, locker rooms and press box were tiny. Now every city has its own ‘center’ that’s sponsored by some bank and all of them look alike. How many of today’s arenas can you say are a true advantage on their own merit? I can’t think of one. There are no more Boston Gardens, Fabulous Forums or Chicago Stadiums and it’s depressing.

I was at the game Wednesday night against Toronto and it wasn’t much fun. There were 30 people in the building for the start of the game, and that included the players. The constant music and sponsored gimmicks were nauseating. The current Sixer unis (can we get rid of those please?) remain an eyesore. Friday night’s game couldn’t have been the same team or league that I witnessed on Wednesday, could it? There was no comparison.

I know all good things must come to an end and change is the only constant we know. But for one night, I was reminded why I became a sports fan and why the Spectrum used to be the happiest place on earth for me.