That's two straight for the Sixers, six of their last eight, six wins in the last seven games they've taken seriously, not including a throw-away in Detroit in regular-season Game 66.

That's not a quirk.

In May, that's a serious trend.

"We hung in there all season, as a team, through all the ups and downs," said Spencer Hawes, who collected 21 points and nine rebounds in a 79-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls Friday in the Wells Fargo Center. "Now we have a strong opportunity in the playoffs and we have to capitalize on it."

They are two victories from the conference semifinals.

Doug Collins expects roars of support Sunday, in Game 4.

"We have a group of guys that like playing with one another," Collins said. "I sure like coaching them. You saw that competitive fire burning pretty deep tonight. And Philadelphia should be very proud.

"That is the type of team that they will cheer for."

Why not?

 Check out my column on the reborn Sixers in the Daily Times Saturday and, as always, on delcotimes.com