Historically, Sixers facing challenge against Pistons

0 Comments | Philadelphia Daily News, April, 2008 | by PHIL JASNER jasnerp@phillynews.com

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The 76ers did it again Sunday night, winning a game virtually no one expected them to win, stunning the Detroit Pistons in the opener of their first-round playoff series, 90-86.

Turns out, the Sixers were playing against history as much as against the Pistons.

Consider:

In the 16-team postseason format the NBA has used since 1984, the No. 7 seeds have been 59-146 vs. the No. 2 seeds.

The No. 2 seeds have won 44 of 48 series.

Since the first round expanded to a best-of-seven in 2003, the No. 2 seeds have won all 10 series.

Before Sunday night, the Sixers never had won a playoff game against Detroit on the road.

The Sixers never have won a playoff series against the Pistons.

Better than he thought

As...