Sixers Players Were Energized By "Beat L.A." Chants
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (PA) -- Thaddeus Young may not know the historical significance of "Beat L.A." in Philadelphia, but he knows how it made him and the rest of the Sixers feel.
"It had a big impact on us, we heard the crowd all night long," Young told 94 WIP's Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow on Tuesday, the day after the Sixers beat the Lakers 95-90 at the Wells Fargo Center. "That's what had us up for the game and had us ready. We heard everybody chanting 'Beat L.A., Beat L.A.'"
Listen to the interview with Thaddeus Young:
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Gargano asked Young if he knew the back story behind "Beat L.A." in Philadelphia, Young said he didn't. The Boston Celtics crowd started the cheer during the Eastern Conference Finals in 1982, and was actually directed toward the Sixers. Philadelphia was on the verge of winning Game 7, and would face the hated Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. With just under 30 seconds left in the game, the Boston crowd erupted into "Beat LA," as a show of support for the visitors.
The 2011-12 Sixers are a team that's defined by teamwork, instead of individual goals. "I think we prevail in our roles," Young said. "We all go and play our roles to perfection. We've got a lot of different guys who do a lot of different things that bring a lot to the table."
(read related article: The Sixers Are Learning How To Win)
Though Doug Collins has a reputation for being demanding of his players, Young said that them have a say in the play calling. "He asks the whole team what we think we should do. He gives us a chance to express our opinions, I think that's what's great about coach. He's not stuck in his ways," Young said.
The Sixers play the Spurs Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. The game can be heard live at 7pm on 94 WIP.
