The Sixers' hot start to the season had been met with a lot of "yeah, buts."Yeah,they lead the Atlantic Division, but they hadn't beaten anyone good.Yeah, they have a historically impressive point differential, but theydon't have a superstar. Yeah they're fun to watch, but they can't win atitle.At least a few of those "buts" were answered Wednesdaynight as the Sixers easily pasted the Bulls in South Philly, 98-82.Chicago came into the game with the NBA's second-best record at 18-5."Everybodywas waiting for us, 'OK, let's wait for the big boys to get to town.When these guys come in, we'll see.' I think our guys take that toheart," said coach Doug Collins.In perhaps the most telling signthat the times are changing, the much-maligned Andre Iguodala wasgreeted with a standing ovation from the fans on his way out of the gamein the second half. It was well-deserved.During a pivotalthird-quarter sequence, Iguodala threw down a side-windmill scoop dunk,made a pull-up 3-pointer and then went around the back to himself beforedishing to Jrue Holiday for an open jumper. The lead went from five to12 and the Bulls never threatened again. Iguodala finished with 19points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals."Andre Iguodala was spectacular tonight, that third quarter that he played for us was brilliant," Collins said.TheSixers have now beaten the Bulls three straight times. They alsocoasted past the Magic on Monday, setting up a showdown with thedefending conference champion Heat on Friday night."I don't think we've gotten the respect yet, from the outside point," Iguodala said. "We'll try to get there."With a 16-6 record, and those "yeah, buts" quieting, that respect may already be here.Three things we saw1.Local Hero - Lavoy Allen, the rookie second-rounder out of Temple,looks like a diamond in the rough. He's passed first-rounder NikolaVucevic as the first big off the bench with ease. Allen had 15 pointsand six rebounds in 26 minutes Wednesday night. "It's just amazing tosee how much Lavoy Allen has grown. He has really become a force for us.He's been terrific," Doug Collins said.2. Beasts of the East -The top five teams in the Eastern Conference right now are the Heat,Bulls, Sixers, Hawks and Pacers. The Sixers have gone 3-1 against thosefour. The lone loss came against the Heat, who will be at the WellsFargo Center Friday night.3. MVP in check - The Sixers chose notto use Andre Iguodala on league MVP Derrick Rose, instead letting JrueHoliday and Lou Williams take their shots. It worked. Rose was held to18 points and six assists on 8-of-17 shooting. The Bulls rested most oftheir starters in the fourth quarter because they play again Thursday.
